On July 28, 2025, Albert Booze entered a Guilty plea to Voluntary Manslaughter and Aggravated Battery in connection with the April 6, 2021 death of Bibb County Deputy Christopher Knight. Mr. Booze was sentenced to 25 years, with 13 years to serve in prison and 12 years of probation.
This resolution reflects a thorough and objective review of the investigation that revealed both criminal conduct by the defendant as well as troubling circumstances surrounding the incident that must be addressed to prevent future tragedies.
Our office reviewed information from both the Georgia Bureau of Investigation findings and internal Sheriff’s Office records, and statements by Sheriff Office employees that are inadmissible under the law for future legal purposes. In addition, we spoke to other witnesses including the mother of Deputy Knight, who provided critical insight into conditions at the jail that contributed to this tragic outcome. During the plea hearing, Assistant District Attorney Tony Mays commended Ms. Knight for her honesty, courage and cooperation during the investigation.
This case demonstrates the Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office’s commitment to transparency in the prosecutorial process, even when the facts reveal uncomfortable truths about institutional failures.
Mr. Booze has taken accountability for his actions. His use of a taser and knife against detention officers constituted excessive force under Georgia law, resulting in Deputy Knight’s death and injury to another officer. While mental health issues are a factor in this case, they do not excuse the defendant’s criminal conduct.
The investigation revealed deeply concerning practices at the Bibb County jail that contributed to this tragedy. Deputy Knight’s mother informed our office her son had described a room deputies called the “Lieutenant’s Office” as a location where officers would take unruly inmates for physical punishment away from surveillance cameras.
On the day of the incident, Mr. Booze was taken to this unsupervised location after being held naked and on display in his cell for several hours for splashing toilet water at a jail staff member. Mr. Booze, thinking he was being taken for a medical examination, was compliant during the transport to the isolated area, according to those present. Additional witness testimony revealed the physical altercation began when Deputy Knight struck Mr. Booze multiple times in the face. Mr. Booze gained access to Deputy Knight’s service taser and an unauthorized knife in the deputy’s possession, then used the knife to kill the deputy. While Mr. Booze had a legal right to defend himself from this unlawful assault, his response with weapons exceeded what the law permits for self-defense.
The District Attorney’s Office has no authority over jail operations. Jail operations remain under the supervision of the Sheriff’s Office. We cannot, however, ignore the connection between poor detention conditions and tragic outcomes like this case. The evidence suggests that past institutional practices of administering “jail justice” to inmates contributed to circumstances that led to Deputy Knight’s death.
“I have had numerous conversations with Sheriff Davis about my concerns regarding the operations of the Bibb County jail, and I am encouraged by the Sheriff’s openness to make meaningful improvements,” said Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney Anita Howard. “Every person, whether employee or inmate, has constitutional rights that must be respected and protected.
“The justice system works best when it balances accountability with recognition of mitigating circumstances. Our office remains committed to prosecuting crimes objectively and transparently, regardless of where the evidence leads us. We extend our continued condolences to Deputy Knight’s family and our gratitude to the investigators who worked to uncover the truth in this difficult case.”
Mental health resources and employees following proper detention protocols are essential to preventing future tragedies. We support ongoing reform efforts while ensuring that accountability and public safety remain our top priorities.
