Family seeks answers after retired Atlanta police officer found dead
Retired Atlanta police officer found dead, family says
A retired Atlanta police officer who was still actively serving as a campus law enforcement officer was found dead outside a home Saturday morning, sparking a Clayton County investigation after relatives discovered blood inside the house.
CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. - A retired Atlanta police officer who was still serving as an active university officer was found dead in his own driveway Saturday morning, prompting a Clayton County death investigation after relatives discovered blood inside the house.
What we know:
Emergency personnel rushed to the 70 block of Upper Riverdale Road around 9 a.m. Saturday. Officers responded to the neighborhood after receiving a call regarding an unresponsive person.
When they arrived, first responders located a person lying in the driveway of a home. Clayton County fire personnel officially pronounced the person dead at the scene.
Family members identified the man as 61-year-old James Edward Sinkfield.
Retired Atlanta Police Officer James Edward Sinkfield was found dead in his own driveway on June 13, 2026, according to family members. (FOX 5)
What they're saying:
Relatives are demanding answers and noted that Sinkfield was a well-known community member who spent years with the Atlanta Police Department and was still serving as a retired but active officer in South Georgia.
The family is deeply concerned about the circumstances surrounding his death because they found blood throughout the home.
"Our family wants justice simply because this family member was a well-known great citizen of Georgia," Sinkfield's family member told FOX 5.
His relatives said that Sinkfield was healthy, active, and still serving his community as a current police officer at Fort Valley Police Department.
Beyond his extensive career in law enforcement, Sinkfield was known for his deep commitment to local youth. Relatives noted he was a healthy man who balanced his active policing duties with community mentorship.
"He was well-known in the Atlanta community. At the Mathematics Center off Campbellton Road, he spent countless hours teaching and mentoring kids. He was a great uncle, a great cousin, loved by many and hated by few," a relative said.
Investigation ongoing after man found dead in driveway
A retired Atlanta police officer who was still serving as an active reserve officer in South Georgia was found dead in his own driveway Saturday morning, prompting a massive Clayton County death investigation after relatives discovered blood inside the house.
What we don't know:
Although officials have not released any information regarding the person found dead, family members confirmed to FOX 5 Sinkfield's identity.
Police have not released details regarding how the man died or if they suspect foul play. It remains unclear exactly how long the officer had been deceased before emergency crews arrived. Relatives believe he may have been dead since at least Friday, but authorities have not confirmed a timeline.
The investigation remains active as authorities search for answers.
The Source: The information in this article comes from the Clayton County Police Department. Additional information comes from Sinkfield's family.