Rajesh Mehta, a 45-year-old Indian American attorney, was a beloved figure in the Cobb County courthouse where he had worked for over a decade. Known for his kindness and willingness to help others, he also volunteered his time to deliver food to vulnerable individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was in this context of service that his life was tragically cut short on the morning of May 9, 2020.
On that Saturday morning, Mehta had driven 29-year-old Terrance Scott to a home on
Hansen Drive in Locust-grove, GA. It is believed that they had met in Atlanta, and Mehta provided Scott with a ride. Upon their arrival at approximately 6 a.m., Scott shot Mehta multiple times at the back door of the residence. Despite his fatal injuries, Mehta managed to disarm Scott, an act that colleagues and law enforcement believe saved others from harm. A. 40-caliber pistol was later found in the bushes near his body.
Following the shooting, Scott kicked in the door of the house and took a woman hostage at knifepoint, subjecting her to sexual assault and beatings. The children who were present in the home were able to escape when police initially entered the residence. This initiated an hourslong standoff with police and SWAT units. During the standoff, Scott threatened to kill his hostage if the police did not retreat. The ordeal finally came to an end when the female victim was able to run to the police, and Scott was apprehended while attempting to flee from the back of the house.
Terrance Scott was taken into custody and subsequently charged with murder and aggravated battery, with authorities indicating that further charges were possible. He was denied bond. Rajesh Mehta was remembered by his friends and colleagues as a hero who died in the same selfless manner in which he lived. His family believes he may have been kidnapped by Scott while volunteering as a driver.
