BUFORD — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation released the results of the autopsy performed on John James Monahan, Jr., age 26.  Monahan’s body was pulled from the bottom of Lake Lanier on February 21 following a series of events starting with a multi-vehicle crash in Buford.

According to the GBI, the preliminary investigation said that Monahan who was driving a stolen vehicle was being pursued by officers following a multi-vehicle accident at Shadburn Ferry Road and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Buford in Gwinnett County.  Monahan had fled the scene of the accident with an AK-style rifle. 

Officers pursued Monahan up Shadburn Ferry Road into Shoal Creek Park which is in Buford, Hall County. Monahan drove through the park, crashing into Lake Lanier.  While in the lake, Monahan began firing at officers from the vicinity of the sinking vehicle. He struck a patrol car but did not injury any law enforcement during the shooting. Officers returned fire on Monahan.

Hall County Dive team located the vehicle on the lake bottom and found Monahan’s body nearby.  An autopsy was performed last week and the GBI released the results of the autopsy this week.

The GBI released the findings of the autopsy in a press release this week, “it was determined that Monahan’s preliminary cause and manner of death is ruled as suicide by self-inflicted gunshot wound.”

The investigation by the GBI is ongoing.  Upon completion, the case will be turned over to the Hall County District Attorney’s office for review.

— Staff Reports