Police go to wrong house, shoot, kill homeowner

STOCKBRIDGE, Ga. – A Georgia homeowner shot in the neck after police went to the wrong house has died, a lawyer for the family said Friday.

William Powell, 63, died Thursday afternoon at Atlanta Medical Center, Jonesboro attorney Keith Martin said.

A preliminary review of the 911 call indicates the three officers who responded had gone to the wrong home and showed up at Powell’s house, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said.

Powell was armed with a gun and was shot in the neck by one of the officers, authorities said.

The GBI is investigating the actions of Henry County police in the shooting early Wednesday morning in Stockbridge, about 20 miles south of Atlanta.

“We have been notified that special agents of the GBI wish to speak to Mrs. Powell and, when she is available, we will meet with the investigators and cooperate in every way,” Martin said Friday in an email to The Associated Press.

Someone had called 911 a little before midnight Tuesday to report hearing a woman yelling for help and gunshots, prompting the police response, the GBI has said. Authorities have not released the 911 call.

“The Powell family is most thankful for the wishes and prayers of neighbors, friends and the community and ask that the prayers continue through this difficult time,” Martin said.

This story was originally published June 10, 2016 at 7:53 AM with the headline "Police go to wrong house, shoot, kill homeowner."