The chief communications officer for DeKalb County, Ga., Sheila Edwards, resigned yesterday after she told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that a New Jersey police officer had “murdered” her friend. Edwards also had been representing the family of businessman DeFarra “Dean” Gaymon, who was killed by police in New Jersey. DeKalb officers complained that it was a conflict of interest because Edwards routinely speaks on behalf of police, including talking to the media about officer-involved shootings.
Gaymon's shooting remains under investigation and no charges have been filed. Prosecutors in Essex County, N.J., said Gaymon, who was in New Jersey for a high school reunion, solicited sex from an undercover officer in a park. He then attacked and threatened the officer, prosecutors said.