Grandmother likely died trying to protect family during hostage situation, relative says

MABLETON, Ga. — A hostage situation in Mableton, Georgia, ended Tuesday afternoon with SWAT officers killing a man who fatally shot his girlfriend's grandmother, while holding her and her young child against their will, authorities said.

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James "Cody" Martin, 26, of Austell, was living with his girlfriend Jessica Adams, her daughter Hannah and her grandmother Faye Spruell, 80, in a home on the 300 block of Lane Drive up until Monday, WSB-TV reported.

However, on Monday, he allegedly attacked Adams and put a gun up to her head, WSB-TV reported. Spruell demand he leave.

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He did, but he returned Tuesday around 4 p.m., shot and killed Spruell and held Adams and her daughter hostage until Cobb County police showed up, the news station reported.

Debbie Rodgers, Spruell’s daughter-in-law, told WSB-TV that she’s trying to figure out how this happened.

“More than likely, Faye jumped in like any mother would to (protect) her granddaughter,” Rodgers said. “Faye didn’t deserve this.”

When officers arrived at the home, they found Spruell’s body by the door, Cobb County police Chief Mike Register said at a news conference.

After a brief standoff, the SWAT team entered the home and rescued Adams and Hannah, Register said.

During the rescue, Register said SWAT officers shot and killed Martin.

The GBI was called in to investigate the officer-involved shooting. Register couldn’t confirm if Martin fired at SWAT officers.

GBI spokeswoman Nelly Miles said the agency’s preliminary findings will likely be released on Wednesday.

Cox Media Group