Sandy Springs, Georgia, December 8, 2025
La’Andre Thomas, a former defensive back for the University of Memphis football team, was shot by police in Sandy Springs, Georgia. The incident occurred while officers responded to reports of an assault. After engaging with police at a bus stop, Thomas reportedly brandished a handgun, leading to the fatal shooting. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is conducting an investigation into the incident, which has sparked discussions about police use of force and community safety.
Former Memphis Football Player Fatally Shot by Police in Georgia
Sandy Springs, Georgia โ La’Andre Thomas, a former defensive back for the University of Memphis football team, was fatally shot by police officers in Sandy Springs, Georgia, on December 4, 2025. The incident occurred when officers responded to a report of an assault in the Dunwoody Place neighborhood. Upon arrival, Thomas, who was at a bus stop, engaged in conversation with the officers. During the interaction, he pulled a handgun from his waistband, prompting one officer to discharge their weapon, critically wounding Thomas. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is conducting an independent investigation into the incident. Thomas’s body has been taken to the Fulton County Medical Examinerโs Office for an autopsy.
Background on La’Andre Thomas
La’Andre Thomas, a native of Jackson, Mississippi, played for the Memphis Tigers from 2017 to 2019. During his final season, he recorded 60 tackles and started 14 games, including the Cotton Bowl. His performance contributed to the team’s success during his tenure.
Context of the Incident
The shooting of La’Andre Thomas has raised questions about police use of force and the circumstances leading to the confrontation. The GBI’s investigation aims to provide clarity on the events that transpired and determine the appropriateness of the officers’ actions. The outcome of this investigation may influence future policies and training related to law enforcement interactions in similar situations.
Recent Incidents Involving Former Memphis Athletes
This incident is part of a series of tragic events involving former Memphis athletes. In December 2022, Christian Saulsberry, a former Southaven football player, was fatally shot at a party in Walls, Mississippi. The shooter, Mark McDaniel, was arrested and later convicted of second-degree murder. In July 2025, Corey Adams, an 18-year-old Ole Miss freshman football player, was killed in a shooting outside a house in Cordova, Tennessee. These events highlight ongoing concerns about violence affecting former athletes from the Memphis area.
Community Response and Ongoing Investigations
The community has expressed shock and sorrow over the loss of La’Andre Thomas. Local authorities, including the GBI, are committed to conducting thorough investigations to ensure transparency and accountability. The outcomes of these investigations are awaited to provide closure to the families involved and to the broader community affected by these incidents.
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FAQ
- Who was La’Andre Thomas?
- La’Andre Thomas was a former defensive back for the University of Memphis football team, playing from 2017 to 2019. He recorded 60 tackles and started 14 games during his final season.
- What happened during the incident in Sandy Springs, Georgia?
- On December 4, 2025, officers responded to a report of an assault in the Dunwoody Place neighborhood. Upon encountering Thomas at a bus stop, he pulled a handgun from his waistband, leading to an officer-involved shooting. Thomas was critically wounded and later pronounced dead at a hospital.
- What is the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s role in this case?
- The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is conducting an independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting of La’Andre Thomas to determine the circumstances and appropriateness of the officers’ actions.
- Have there been other incidents involving former Memphis athletes?
- Yes, in December 2022, Christian Saulsberry, a former Southaven football player, was fatally shot at a party in Walls, Mississippi. In July 2025, Corey Adams, an 18-year-old Ole Miss freshman football player, was killed in a shooting outside a house in Cordova, Tennessee.
- What is the community’s response to these incidents?
- The community has expressed shock and sorrow over the loss of La’Andre Thomas and other former athletes. Authorities are committed to thorough investigations to ensure transparency and accountability, with outcomes awaited to provide closure to the families and the broader community.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Sandy Springs, Georgia |
| Victim | La’Andre Thomas, former University of Memphis football player |
| Incident Date | December 4, 2025 |
| Event | Officer-involved shooting resulting in Thomas’s death |
| Investigation | Conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) |
| Outcome | Thomas pronounced dead at a hospital; investigation ongoing |
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Tragic Shooting Claims Life of Former Memphis Football Player
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
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