FBI agents will not face charges in the death of Roy McGrath, a former aide to Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, who was apprehended earlier this year.
Roy McGrath died after two gunshots, one self-inflicted (Photo: CNN)
Roy McGrath Dead After He Shot Himself
The Knox County District Attorney General’s Office has confirmed that an FBI agent simultaneously fired at McGrath as he shot himself in the head and only acted in self-defense because the agent believed that McGrath posed a threat of imminent death or serious bodily injury. In addition, the prosecutors say that the autopsy could not determine which of the gunshots caused the death of McGrath.
According to the statements, the confrontation on April 3 outside Knoxville, Tennessee, came after a 21-day search began when McGrath did not attend a federal trial in Baltimore on wire fraud and embezzlement charges on March 13. Those who are close to McGrath voiced their concerns for his welfare, fearing what would eventually unfold.
According to the released reports by the Knox County, the FBI Baltimore field office had asked agents in Knoxville to arrest McGrath, informing them that he was at Costco. The FBI agents who responded found McGrath’s vehicle and attempted a traffic stop while he left the parking lot. Despite the lights and sirens behind McGrath, he kept driving until he was boxed between an Advanced Auto Parts and a Sonic Drive-In.
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When agents ordered McGrath to put his hands out of the window, he did not do so and instead said he had a loaded gun, raising a handgun to his temple. One agent believed that McGath posed a threat of imminent death or serious bodily injury to himself, and both the agent and McGrath fired their gun simultaneously.
Prosecutors did not publicize the names of the agents nor review the file to determine if any violations were committed. FBI officials have also declined to release further information regarding the confrontation and have said releasing the information would hamper their investigation. FBI additionally said that they are still investigating.
