Body of missing driver found after hit-and-run in Rockdale County
Shaquel Rumeal Liburd
ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. - Authorities have confirmed the recovery of the body of a man who went missing following a hit-and-run incident in Rockdale County. The driver, identified as 31-year-old Shaquel Liburd, was found deceased in Dekalb County on Jan. 26.
What we know:
The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) responded to reports of a hit-and-run involving a single vehicle near Turner Road and Sherrie Lane, near the Rockdale and Dekalb County line, on Jan. 25 at approximately 6:43 p.m. Upon their arrival six minutes later, the driver had already left the scene.
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During the investigation, Mr. Liburd’s mother arrived and informed deputies that her son suffered from a traumatic brain injury from a prior accident. She attempted to contact him by phone and encouraged him to return to the scene but was unsuccessful. Concerned for his safety, deputies issued a Mattie’s Call—a statewide alert for missing individuals with mental impairments—at 9:37 p.m. and launched a search-and-rescue operation.
The search, conducted in coordination with Rockdale County Fire Rescue, Conyers Police Department, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and Georgia State Patrol, included canine units, drones, helicopters, and ground teams. The area covered included Turner Road, Iris Drive, and surrounding neighborhoods and businesses in Stonecrest. Specialized infrared technology was utilized to assist in locating Liburd.
Despite exhaustive efforts, which concluded at approximately 11:43 p.m., authorities were unable to find Liburd that night. His body was discovered the following day in Dekalb County, according to Rockdale County Sheriff's Department.
What they're saying:
The circumstances surrounding Mr. Liburd’s death are under investigation. Authorities have not released further details.