Marine Dies After Alleged Attack in Smyrna
A 34-year-old Marine from Acworth is dead two weeks after he sustained severe head injuries at a Smyrna apartment complex.
Zach Gamble, a 34-year-old Marine from Acworth and the possible victim of an attack, died Sunday afternoon, according to the Cobb County Police Department.
A taxi driver reported hitting Gamble early morning on March 25 at Concord Crossing Apartments in Smyrna. When authorities arrived at the scene, they found the victim unresponsive and lying in a parking lot inside the complex.
Police said that Gamble's most serious injuries were not caused by the car accident.
“She (the driver) was backed into a space in that parking lot and as she pulled out, she felt something with the vehicle,” Cobb police spokesman Sgt. Dana Pierce told Channel 2.
Authorities have learned that Gamble was at a party the night of March 24 where guests at the party heard some verbal altercation take place shortly before the taxi driver's 911 call.
Gamble was transported to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital suffering from serious traumatic injuries and had been in a coma for two weeks. He was taken off life support Sunday afternoon, said authorities.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Gamble had served two tours of duty in Iraq.
Gamble's family has created a Facebook page, Justice for Zach Gamble, seeking answers for the former Marine, who has a 7-year-old son. The family also created a petition asking Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens to investigate the case.
Cobb County Police Department continues to investigate Gamble's death. Anyone leaving an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477 may be eligible for a reward up to $2,500. You may also contact Detective John Dawes at 770-499-3945.
Anita Norman
8:39 am on Wednesday, April 11, 2012
I didn't know your son, but as the stepmother of two retired Marines, I want to thank you for supporting him in his service to our country. You are in my prayers. God bless you.