Newnan Woman Fatally Shot Trying to Stop Roommate From Harming Herself, Investigators Say

A 31-year-old Newnan woman was fatally shot while attempting to take a gun away from her roommate, Briana Nicole Roberts, who had allegedly threatened to harm herself during an argument, according to Coweta County Sheriff’s Office investigators.

Roberts has been charged with involuntary manslaughter following the October 15 shooting at Creekside Apartments on Lakeside Way in Newnan.

Investigators say Roberts and the victim became involved in a dispute inside their apartment. During the argument, Roberts allegedly retrieved a firearm from a bedroom and threatened to harm herself.

The victim attempted to take the firearm away from Roberts, according to investigators. During the struggle, the gun discharged, striking the victim once in the head.

Coweta County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the apartment at approximately 11:30 p.m. and found the victim unresponsive. Deputies began lifesaving measures until emergency medical personnel arrived, but the victim was pronounced dead.

Roberts was arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter. She remains in the Coweta County Jail.

Coweta County Sheriff’s Deputy Jacob Herbert, the department’s public information officer, told The Citizen that the Sheriff’s Office has not released the victim’s identity. He also said he did not have information about whether Roberts and the victim had a relationship beyond sharing an apartment.

Investigation Remains Open

“The current charge is involuntary manslaughter that is subject to change if they find out anything else while they continue the investigation,” Herbert said.

Herbert could not confirm whether Roberts had any previous criminal history, and the Sheriff’s Office has not released additional information about the victim.

The Sheriff’s Office said additional information will be released as it becomes available.