The Brief Newly released arrest warrants allege Officer Derrick Harris accidentally shot 19-year-old Seth Eccles while trying to handcuff him with one hand and holding his firearm in the other. The affidavits state Eccles had complied with police commands, was lying face down with his hands behind his back, and was being arrested when the gun discharged. Harris has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and reckless conduct. The GBI's investigation remains ongoing.



Newly released arrest warrant affidavits are shedding new light on the moments leading up to the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Seth Jayden Eccles by a DeKalb County police officer.

ORIGINAL STORY: Former DeKalb County officer charged in Avondale Estates backyard shooting

The documents, filed by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, provide the most detailed public account yet of what prosecutors allege happened during Eccles' arrest on July 7.

Officer Derrick Harris Jr., 37, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and reckless conduct in connection with the shooting. He was fired by the DeKalb County Police Department following the charges.

How the encounter began

What we know:

According to investigators, DeKalb County police officers and U.S. Postal Inspection Service agents were searching for a person of interest in the armed robbery of a mail carrier earlier that day.

Authorities initially encountered Eccles but allowed him to leave before discovering he had an active arrest warrant.

Investigators said Eccles later ran into nearby woods after officers attempted to locate him again. Around 7 p.m., 911 callers reported a suspicious person moving through backyards along Rammel Way in Avondale Estates.

Officer Harris found Eccles in a backyard around 7:45 p.m., pointed his firearm at him and ordered him to get on the ground.

NEW: Affidavits describe moments before the shooting

What has been revealed:

The newly released affidavits allege Eccles complied with Harris' commands.

According to the warrants, Eccles was lying face down in a prone position with his hands behind his back while Harris att

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