Atlanta Police Department, Georgia
End of Watch: Friday, April 26, 1985
Age: 38
Tour of Duty: 16 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: April 26, 1985
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Life in prison
Officer Mathis was shot and killed while moonlighting as a security guard at Lenox Square Mall at 3393 Peachtree Road North East in Atlanta.
Around 8:30 p.m., he was shot three times as he entered a storage room and surprised a possible burglar.
The suspect was arrested five months later after multiple tips. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to life.
Officer Mathis was a United States Army National Guard veteran and had served with the Atlanta Police Department for 16 years. He was survived by his wife, daughter, parents, sister, and brother.