Detective George Wayman Hester, 56, was killed in the line of duty on September 12, 1996, in Mystic, Georgia. A Navy veteran who served in Vietnam, Hester had been with the Ocilla Police Department for six years. He was part of a team attempting to apprehend a murder suspect on Fletcher Avenue when the suspect, concealed in a closet, opened fire as Hester entered the room. Hester was struck and sustained fatal injuries.

Other officers on scene returned fire and the suspect was shot and killed; the suspect’s identity has not been publicly detailed. Hester was survived by his wife and four children. His death was described as a profound loss for his family and the department.

If anyone knew Detective Hester or has information about the incident on Fletcher Avenue, please share what you know.