Why Was a Man's Body Found in the Passenger Seat During a Routine Traffic Stop?

Police say a body was discovered in the passenger seat of a car during a traffic stop in Georgia the night of Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. The mother of the deceased person is now asking for answers.

Shocking Discovery

The body was found after deputies stopped a car near Thornton Road and Interstate 20, according to a news release from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office shared by Atlanta News First. When the driver was pulled over, police discovered the body of the passenger, later identified as 21-year-old Malachi A. Mitchell. The sheriff's office stated the Criminal Investigations Division and Crime Scene Unit quickly responded to the scene and began a detailed investigation.

Mother Seeks Answers

Mitchell's mother, Kenya Mitchell, described her son as a leader and respected by those who knew him.

"Very well accomplished young man, grew up in a great home in a good family. Grew up in the church," she told Atlanta News First.

Kenya Mitchell wants to know why the driver was questioned and then let go, pending the results of the investigation.

"The person who shot and confessed to shooting my son is at home within hours of them finding my son's body in the car with this young man that was supposed to be purchasing a gun from my son," she said, according to Atlanta News First.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office has not said whether Malachi Mitchell was shot or if the driver admitted to it. They also haven't explained why the car was pulled over.

Threats Against Driver's Family

The driver reportedly "cooperated with the investigation" after being taken to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, according to Atlanta News First. The sheriff's office stated that the incident led to threats against the driver's family, so the department increased patrols and surveillance, involving patrol deputies and the Special Operations Division. While the investigation is still ongoing, the sheriff's department has said they won't release any more details at this time to protect "the integrity of the investigation and safety of the individuals," as reported by Atlanta News First.

'You Ripped Out Our Hearts'

Kenya Mitchell maintains her son was shot and killed, though investigators have not confirmed this. She described Malachi as kind, respectful, and someone who was guided by his faith. She called her loss unimaginable.

"You ripped out our hearts. Do you understand me? You ripped out our hearts. Do you get that?" she said, according to WSBTV-2.

The sheriff's office said once the investigation is finished, it will be handed over to the Douglas County District Attorney's Office "for review and/or prosecution," as reported by PEOPLE.

The investigation into Malachi Mitchell's death continues, and authorities are working to uncover the truth. While the driver has cooperated with the investigation, the case remains active, and more details have yet to be released. Malachi's family continues to grieve, and they are calling for justice for the loss of their son.

References: Dead Body Found in Passenger Seat After Driver Pulled Over in Georgia Traffic Stop, Police Say | Mother Demands Answers Over Death of Son Found in Man's Car During Traffic Stop | Mother in Shock After Son's Body Found in Passenger Seat of Car in Douglas County