Fight at Leesburg residence leaves one dead

LEESBURG — One man is dead and his son injured after a “physical altercation” at a Leesburg residence on Sunday, according to officials with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Mike Walsingham, assistant special agent in charge at the GBI in Americus, said Kent Adam, 50, died following an early morning fight at 781 Flowingwell Road in Leesburg, Adam’s residence.

Officials say that seven people, who were at the residence by invitation of Kent Adam’s son James Adam, have been arrested in connection with the death.

According to the GBI, an altercation occurred, in which James Adam was assaulted by the visitors, who then left. However, the suspects returned a short time later and a second altercation occurred, causing serious injury to both father and son, Walsingham said.

Kent and James Adam then drove themselves to Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, but, for unknown reasons, refused treatment and returned to the residence, Walsingham said.

“As required by law, Phoebe notified the Lee County Sheriff’s Office that the victims had left without treatment,” Walsingham said, “but when (deputies) arrived at the residence, (Kent) Adam had lost consciousness.”

Officials say Kent Adam was transported back to the hospital, but died later Sunday morning. James Adam also returned to Phoebe, Walsingham said, where he was treated and released.

Kent Adam’s body was sent for autopsy at the GBI crime lab in Macon, officials say, to determine the cause of death.

“We’re looking into whether the wounds (Adam) received in the altercation were the direct cause of his death,” Walsingham said. “Right now, it looks like that’s probably the case, but further tests will determine that for certain.”

Charged with one count each of aggravated assault and aggravated battery are Aric William Lee Cates, 19, of Leesburg; Terry James Gravett Jr., 21, of Albany; Alexandrea Marie Cates, 20, of Leesburg; Taylor Elaine Lewis, 17, of Leesburg, and Klaudia Jade Truluck, 17, of Oakfield.

Also charged in the incident are two unidentified juveniles, Walsingham said.