Police say Griffin tried to steal a pack of cigarettes from an Alto Pic-N-Go. In convenience store video, Griffin can be seen pulling a machete out of his pants after the store owner confronts him. In a dash cam video, Griffin pulls out the machete as he walks towards Smith. Smith shot and killed him.
Victim's Name: James Eric Griffin
Agency Responsible: Alto Police Department
Gender: Male
Age: 48
Race: Black
Date of Death: January 23, 2013
County: Cherokee
Cause of Death: Gunshot
Official Disposition: Justified
Criminal Charges: No known charges
Mental Illness: Yes
Armed: Allegedly Armed
Weapon: machete
Geography: Rural