Henry County

Accused murder suspect ‘aided and abetted’ in avoiding capture, Henry County sheriff says

HENRY COUNTY, Ga. — Investigators said Monday they have warrants for three people accused of helping murder suspect Brenston Thomas evade police.

The Henry County Sheriff’s office releasing this video of two people they say have been helping a man wanted for murder escape capture. Lashonda Lay and Joseph Kimber are now charged with Felony Hindering Apprehension of a Fugitive accused of helping Thomas.

Deputies say Thomas shot a detention officer and another man several times at an apartment complex in McDonough last week.

The officer, who was not identified, was flown to the hospital in critical condition, but was listed as stable. The second man, who has also not been identified, died from his injuries.

[RELATED: Who is Brentson Bernard Thomas, suspect wanted in shooting of Henry County detention officer?]

Investigators say Lay, Kimber and Dimarie Coulter have been actively helping Thomas since the shooting. Lay and Kimber have been arrested, but Coulter is still on the run.

“We strongly believe that they aided and abetted and helped in several ways with respect to him evading law enforcement at this time frame,” said Henry County Sheriff Reginald Scandrett.

Thomas has been on the run since and investigators said he’s had help. They’re still working to track him down and Coulter- who is also accused of helping Thomas.

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“We do believe that she is strongly helping him in his evading at this time, strongly,” said Sheriff Scandrett.

Investigators would not say if they believe Coulter is with Thomas or if he’s still in the area.  But released pictures of the other suspects seen over the weekend in downtown Atlanta.

For now the warning still stands, that Thomas is considered to be armed and dangerous and anyone who sees him should stay away.

Thomas is described as having two large tattoos of the New Orleans Saints on his neck.

He is also wanted on aggravated assault charges in Clayton County and Miami, according to the sheriff’s office.

Once captured, he will be charged with one count of murder and two counts of aggravated assault.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office and Crime Stoppers Atlanta is offering a reward of $20,000 for the arrest and indictment of Thomas.

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“As soon as we can get this guy off the street the better off we all will be,” said Scandrett.