GA Deputy Killed, Teen Injured In Domestic Shooting

UPDATED: 6:21 p.m.

SUWANEE, GA — An off-duty Gwinnett County deputy was killed in a domestic-related shooting this weekend at a townhome subdivision in Suwanee, the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office said.

Authorities on Sunday said they responded to the deadly shooting around 7:45 p.m. Saturday in a subdivision that appears to be located near McGinnis Ferry Road.

A neighbor alerted authorities after a bleeding teenager went to the neighbor's home and said his mother's boyfriend was shooting a gun during an argument, authorities said.

The neighbor applied pressure to the teenager's wounds until emergency medical personnel arrived, authorities said.

When deputies arrived, authorities said they tried to contact anyone inside the home, but they received no response.

They said deputies then went into the home to search for additional victims and found a woman, the off-duty Gwinnett deputy, dead in an upstairs bedroom.

The Gwinnett sheriff's office identified the woman as Master Deputy Tamara Tuitt-Bartlett, who was with the department for nearly 20 years.

“Master Deputy Tamara Tuitt-Bartlett served this community with honor, integrity and compassion," Gwinnett County Sheriff Keybo Taylor said in a news release. "She was a courageous, dedicated deputy, trusted colleague and beloved friend. Her commitment to protecting others and her unwavering professionalism set an example for all of us. We are devastated by her loss and extend our deepest prayers and condolences to her family, friends and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her."

The teenager who was injured with multiple gunshot wounds was taken to a local hospital and was listed in stable condition, authorities said.

The suspect fled the scene in a car before deputies arrived, but authorities said they were able to identify the suspect as 43-year-old Suwanee resident Eric Sumner.

Detectives tracked Sumner heading south on Interstate 75, and the Monroe County Sheriff's Office were able to locate him, authorities said.

After a brief police chase, authorities said Sumner was taken into custody and is being held at the Monroe County Jail awaiting extradition to Forsyth County.

He will face charges of homicide-murder and two counts of aggravated assault with intent to murder, authorities said.

The Gwinnett sheriff's office asked for prayers for her loved ones and said it will celebrate Tuitt-Bartlett's life and legacy.

"Master Deputy Tuitt-Bartlett served our community for nearly 20 years with unwavering dedication, compassion and integrity, truly embodying the core values of the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office," the department said in a post published to Facebook on Monday.

"Her commitment to protecting and serving made a lasting impact on all who had the honor of knowing and working alongside her. Her loss is deeply felt throughout our agency and the entire community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate Master Deputy Tuitt-Bartlett’s life and the legacy of service she leaves behind. She will never be forgotten. Please keep her loved ones in your thoughts and prayers."

The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit is leading the investigation.

“The loss of life to violence is senseless, but the loss of a law enforcement officer should hit home to every one of us in a community," Forsyth County Sheriff Ron Freeman said in a news release. "I would like to personally thank the Monroe County Georgia Sheriff’s Office for their quick response in capturing this dangerous suspect."

The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office said it "extends its deepest condolences to the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office for the loss of one of their own."

See tributes:

Gwinnett County Police: The Gwinnett County Police Department extends our deepest condolences on the passing of Master Deputy Tamara Tuitt-Bartlett, who was tragically shot and killed while off duty on September 27, 2025. For nearly 20 years, Officer Tuitt-Bartlett served Gwinnett with compassion, integrity, and dedication. Her commitment to protecting and serving left a lasting impact on her colleagues and the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and fellow officers during this difficult time."

Gwinnett County District Attorney's Office: "Her dedication, professionalism, and compassion leave an indelible impact on the countless lives she touched.We extend our heartfelt prayers and deepest condolences to her family, loved ones, and the men and women of the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office. May her memory forever be a blessing, and may we continue to honor her service to our community."

Snellville Police: "The Snellville PD extends our sincere condolences regarding the murder of GCSO Master Deputy Tamara Tuitt-Bartlett. Our prayers are with Tamara’s family, friends and coworkers! We will take it from here Master Deputy!"