Sumter D.A. possible suicide; GBI investigates

LESLIE — Officials with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation confirmed Monday that Sumter County District Attorney Plez Hardin was found deceased Sunday in a vehicle at a residence in Leslie.

Reports indicate the house, behind which Hardin was found, was unoccupied.

“At approximately 2:22 p.m., a call was received by Leslie Police Chief Bob Smith that a male was found in the driver’s seat of a pickup truck located at 116 East Allen St.,” GBI Director of Public Affairs Nelly Miles said in an email. “When officers arrived they identified the male as Plez Hardin, 48. The GBI was requested to assist with the investigation. Preliminary information indicates that Mr. Hardin died from a single gunshot wound to the chest.”

Sumter County Coroner Greg Hancock said he could not comment in detail, but he could confirm that he body found was Hardin.

“Everything is still under investigation,” Hancock said. “I can’t say much at this time. But reports are correct; Sumter County D.A. Plez Hardin was the man found. I pronounced him deceased at 3:05 p.m. We will know more once the autopsy is completed.”

GBI Deputy Director Rich Bahan said Hardin’s death appeared to be a suicide, but at this point that was only “speculation.”

“Mr. Hardin was the D.A. for the Southwestern Judicial Circuit in Americus,” Bahan said. “Right now that (suicide) is the way it appears, but that is just speculation. The autopsy has not been completed yet.”

Calls were made to the Leslie Police Department Monday, but those calls have not yet been returned.