Crime & Safety

Marine Dies from Head Trauma

A 34-year-old Marine who lived in Acworth was taken off life support two weeks after what may have been a savage beating.

Zach Gamble, a 34-year-old Marine from who survived two tours of duty in Iraq, died Sunday afternoon from severe head injuries suffered under mysterious circumstances two weeks earlier, according to the Cobb County Police Department.

A taxi driver reported hitting Gamble early in the morning March 25 at an apartment complex at 2935 Old Concord Rd. in Smyrna. Authorities found Gamble unresponsive in the parking lot.

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 WSB-TV.

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Police said Gamble's most serious injuries were not caused by the car accident, according to WSB-TV. His family has told media that Gamble was severely beaten, likely in an attack from behind.

Police learned that Gamble was at a party at the complex March 24, and a verbal altercation took place outisde.

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Gamble was transported to with traumatic head injuries and never regained consciousness. He was taken off life support Sunday afternoon.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Gamble served two tours of duty in Iraq.

Gamble's family created a Facebook page, Justice for Zach Gamble, seeking answers about what happened to the Marine, who has a 7-year-old son. The family also has posted a Change.org petition calling for more investigation into the cae.

Cobb police continue to investigate what happened to Gamble. Anyone leaving a tip with Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477 could be eligible for a reward of up to $2,500 if an arrest results. Or you can call Detective John Dawes at 770-499-3945.

Do you know Zach Gamble? What would you like to say to the Marine's family?

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