In the summer of 1980, the community of Swainsboro, Georgia, was shaken by the loss of its Chief of Police, Bobby Gene Powell. A 33-year-old white male, Powell had dedicated eight years of his life to the Swainsboro Police Department, where he was a respected and valued leader. His life was cut short on the evening of June 12, 1980, while in the courageous performance of his duties. The events of that fateful night began with a report of a domestic disturbance, a call that would tragically be Powell’s last.
Responding to the disturbance, Chief Powell encountered a man who was reportedly discharging a firearm. As he attempted to make an arrest, a struggle ensued. In the ensuing chaos, the suspect, identified as Curtis Lee Foster, managed to conceal a weapon and shot Chief Powell twice. Despite his grave injuries, Powell displayed immense fortitude, crawling back to his patrol car to radio for assistance. He was rushed to a local hospital, but his wounds proved to be fatal.
The investigation into the death of Chief Powell led to the swift apprehension of Curtis Lee Foster. He was charged with the murder of the police chief. During his trial, Foster claimed that the shooting was accidental, alleging that the gun discharged during the struggle as he was attempting to hand it over to Powell. However, the prosecution presented a different narrative, supported by witness testimony. Witnesses at the scene reported seeing a scuffle and then hearing two gunshots. A Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent testified that a witness had seen Foster on top of Powell and heard the chief plead for his life before the shots were fired.
Ultimately, the jury rejected Foster's claim of an accidental shooting and found him guilty of murder. He was sentenced to life in prison for the death of Chief Bobby Gene Powell. In addition to the murder charge, Foster also received a twelve-month sentence for a violation of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act. The conviction brought a measure of justice for a community mourning the loss of a dedicated public servant who was survived by his wife and four children.
