The widow of a murdered Roswell Police Officer, Jeremy Labonte, who was shot and killed in the line of duty on Feb. 7, has Dunwoody connections.
Labonte’s widow, Alyssa, is a kindergarten teacher at Kingsley Elementary School in Dunwoody. The couple had been married only three years.
Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch, on her Facebook page, alerted the community to the connection and encouraged residents to support the family.
Labonte, who joined the force in late 2021, was shot multiple times while responding to a “suspicious person” call at a shopping center at 1425 Market Blvd. on Feb. 7, police said.
An officer found the 23-year-old suspect, identified by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation as Edward Espinoza, in a parking lot near the ACE Pickleball Club.
According to police, Espinoza shot Labonte several times. Labonte was transported to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Espinoza, who is being held without bond, faces charges of murder, aggravated assault against a law enforcement officer and possession of a firearm, according to Fulton County Jail records.
Espinoza was also arrested in 2021 and charged with reckless conduct, and in 2022, was arrested for criminal trespassing. He was also jailed last April and charged with battery, criminal trespassing and public intoxication. The disposition of those cases are unknown.
The Roswell Police Department, in partnership with the Labonte family, the Roswell Police Department and the Friends of Roswell Police, have established a PayPal website, which is the only authorized donation platform for the family.
“Our community has already demonstrated incredible generosity,” the Roswell Police Department said in a statement. “Please feel free and encouraged to share it with anyone who may feel moved to support them financially through this tragedy.”
“Over the years that followed, Officer Labonte faithfully and joyfully served the Roswell community as a member of the nightshift patrol alongside his D-Squad brothers and sisters.” the police statement continued “He was universally beloved by all who were blessed to know him as a friend, a husband, a son, and a public servant. His absence now leaves a void that could never be filled.”
A memorial vehicle is parked outside the Roswell Police Department headquarters at 39 Hill St., where members of the public are invited to pay their respects and leave tributes in Labonte’s honor.
Northside Chapel announced that Labonte’s visitation will be held Feb. 11 from 3-6 p.m. at Roswell United Methodist Church, 814 Mimosa Blvd. in Roswell, and a funeral service will be held the following day at 3 p.m., also at the church.
