Lenis Amaya-Hernandez

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Name:
Amaya-Hernandez, Lenis

Date of Booking:
01/25/2026

Reason(s) For Booking:
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT – F

AGGRAVATED BATTERY – F

POSSESSION OF FIREARM OR KNIFE DURING COMMISSION OF OR ATTEMPT TO COMMIT CERTAIN FELONIES – F

WILLFUL OBSTRUCTION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS – M

Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]

On January 25, 2026, I, Ofc. Green, responded to a general call for service at [60 BLOCK] Village Drive. CAD notes indicated a Spanish-speaking female caller was screaming uncontrollably and repeatedly provided only the address before disconnecting. No further information was obtained by dispatch. While en route, dispatch advised that Chatham County Police Department units had been flagged down and diverted to [50 BLOCK] Village Drive, though CAD notes did not clarify the nature of their involvement at that time.

INITIAL CONTACT / SUSPECT IDENTIFICATION

Upon arrival in the area, I was flagged down by a Hispanic male later identified as:
[WITNESS #1]
DOB: [REDACTED]

[WITNESS #1] immediately asked if I spoke Spanish. After I advised that I did, he stated, “They got into a fight and he stabbed him in the neck.” He pointed toward [60 BLOCK] Village Drive. Based on this spontaneous statement indicating a violent felony involving a weapon, I immediately advised Cpl. Mosley of the situation and ran toward the residence.

SCENE OBSERVATIONS

As I approached [60 BLOCK] Village Drive, I observed large amounts of fresh blood on the front steps and at the threshold of the residence, consistent with a violent assault.

Inside the residence, I observed:
A Hispanic male lying on a couch with severe bleeding and visible lacerations
Another Hispanic male sitting next to him, covered in blood
Chatham County PD Officers Sherwin and Wells actively providing emergency aid and applying pressure to the victim’s wounds
A Hispanic female holding a young child near the doorway,
Officers advised they had just controlled active bleeding to the victim’s neck, and that the victim had already been bandaged due to the severity of the injury.

VICTIM INFORMATION & STATEMENTS

The injured male was identified as:
[VICTIM #1]
DOB: [REDACTED]

[VICTIM #1] was conscious but in visible distress. He repeatedly stated he did not want to die. I attempted to obtain a description of the assailant. [VICTIM #1] provided inconsistent and vague statements, referring only to “a small Mexican guy with a generic haircut and generic clothes”, possibly wearing a black hat. He could not provide a clear description, name, or direction of travel.

During EMS assessment, it was discovered that [VICTIM #1] sustained:
A stab wound to the neck
A deep laceration to the arm
Multiple stab wounds to the back, totaling three severe penetrating injuries
EMS and Fire personnel arrived shortly thereafter and transported [VICTIM #1] to Memorial Hospital for emergency treatment.

WITNESS/FAMILY INTERVIEWS

1. [WITNESS #2]
   DOB: [REDACTED]

[WITNESS #2] identified herself as the sister of both [VICTIM #1] and Lenis, and stated all three resided at the home along with her husband and children.

[WITNESS #2] stated:
[VICTIM #1] and Lenis had been drinking alcohol for several hours
No other individuals were inside the residence
She was in her bedroom when she suddenly heard yelling
She ran out and observed [VICTIM #1] bleeding profusely
She immediately ran outside screaming for help
[WITNESS #2] emphatically denied the presence of any third party and stated that although the home had a back door, no one exited the residence. Officers later confirmed the back door was locked and showed no blood transfer or disturbance.

2. [WITNESS #1] (Husband of [WITNESS #2])

[WITNESS #1] stated:
He had arrived home from work and remained outside the residence, watching a boxing match on his phone He had full visual observation of the residence
When [WITNESS #2] ran out screaming, he ran inside and observed [VICTIM #1] bleeding and Lenis present
He immediately left to locate law enforcement and brought officers back to the scene
No one entered or exited the residence during this time

[WITNESS #1] further stated that [VICTIM #1] and Lenis frequently become aggressive when drinking, and that he believed Lenis stabbed [VICTIM #1], consistent with prior violent incidents between the two, though none had previously reached this level of severity.

SUSPECT OBSERVATIONS & DETENTION
The male sitting next to the victim was identified as:
Lenis Amaya-Hernandez (victims twin brother)
DOB: [REDACTED]
Lenis displayed:
Slurred speech
Bloodshot, glossy eyes
Slow and impaired motor movements
Based on my training and experience, Lenis appeared heavily intoxicated. Lenis later admitted to consuming three beers and multiple shots of 1800 tequila.

Due to:
Multiple consistent witness statements
Lack of evidence of a third party
Lenis being the only individual present with the victim
His intoxicated state
The violent nature of the injuries
Lenis was detained for officer safety. His handcuffs were checked for proper fit and double-locked.

MIRANDA/SUSPECT STATEMENT
Lt. Rodriguez read Lenis his Miranda rights in Spanish. Lenis stated he understood and agreed to speak. Lenis claimed:
[VICTIM #1] was stabbed only after attacking him
He was holding the knife and [VICTIM #1] “fell onto it”
He repeatedly stated “It wasn’t my fault”
When asked about the weapon, Lenis stated he threw it outside and offered to show officers where it was located.

WEAPON RECOVERY
Lenis was escorted to the rear yard of the residence, where he walked directly to and identified a yellow-handled box cutter lying on the ground, stating “That’s the knife.”
The weapon was secured and turned over to CID, who processed the scene, documented evidence, and photographed blood patterns and injuries. [WITNESS #2] granted verbal consent for CID to process the interior of the residence.

POST-ARREST BEHAVIOR
Lenis was transported to Garden City Police Department, where his clothing was seized as evidence. During processing, Lenis continued to state the incident was not his fault and referenced his twin relationship with [VICTIM #1]. Notably, Lenis never inquired about [VICTIM #1]’s medical condition or wellbeing. Lenis was later transported to Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor hand lacerations and bruising, then transported to Chatham County Detention Center.

PROBABLE CAUSE & CHARGES
Based on:
Physical evidence
Victim injuries consistent with intentional stabbing
Suspect admission to holding the knife
Weapon recovery
Witness statements
Absence of any third-party involvement
Intoxication and aggressive history

There is probable cause to believe Lenis Amaya-Hernandez intentionally caused serious bodily harm using a deadly weapon, in violation of the following:

Charges:
Aggravated Assault – OCGA 16-5-21
Aggravated Battery – OCGA 16-5-24
Possession of a Knife During the Commission of a Felony – OCGA 16-11-106
Obstruction of Law Enforcement (Misdemeanor) – OCGA 16-10-24

Lenis was booked without incident and is awaiting arraignment.

CID Supplemental: Refer to CID report for scene processing, photographs, and evidence documentation.

[End of Narrative]

The information below reflects all details available at the time of publication and was obtained directly from the official court database accessible to the public. Court records are subject to change at any time at the court’s discretion. The Georgia Gazette is not responsible for errors, omissions, or discrepancies within the docket. No information provided should be construed as legal advice or opinion. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Case History:

1/25/26

ARREST — LENIS AMAYA-HERNANDEZ TAKEN INTO CUSTODY

What this means: Lenis Amaya-Hernandez was arrested and booked into the Chatham County Jail on January 25, 2026, according to the Motion for Bond filed in this case. The defendant is accused of aggravated assault, aggravated battery, possession of a knife during the commission of a felony, and willful obstruction of a law enforcement officer. He has remained in custody since his arrest.

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1/30/26

ENTRY OF APPEARANCE — PUBLIC DEFENDER AMBER ROBINSON ENTERS AS COUNSEL

What this means: On January 30, 2026, attorney Amber Robinson of the Chatham County Public Defender’s Office formally entered her appearance as defense counsel for Lenis Amaya-Hernandez in case number SPCR26-00243-J6 in the Superior Court of Chatham County. This means Robinson officially became the attorney of record representing the defendant going forward.

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1/30/26

DEFENSE MOTION FOR BOND FILED BY ATTORNEY JOSEPH BERRIGAN

What this means: Also on January 30, 2026, attorney Joseph J. Berrigan filed a separate Motion for Bond and Limited Entry of Appearance on behalf of Lenis Amaya-Hernandez. Berrigan clarified he was appearing only for the purpose of the bond hearing, not as full-time defense counsel. The motion asked the court to set or reduce bond, noting that the defendant had been held at the Chatham County Jail since January 25 on felony charges. The motion also noted that Lenis Amaya-Hernandez is a citizen of Honduras with an active ICE immigration hold, which was making it difficult for any bail bondsman to post bond on his behalf.

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1/30/26

RULE NISI ISSUED — BOND HEARING SCHEDULED FOR 2/10/26

What this means: Also on January 30, 2026, the court issued a Rule Nisi — a formal court order scheduling a hearing — directing the parties to appear before Judge Tammy Stokes on February 10, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. via Webex (virtual hearing) to address the defense’s motion for bond in case number SPCR26-00243-J6.

2/10/26

BOND HEARING HELD BEFORE JUDGE TAMMY STOKES

What this means: On February 10, 2026, Judge Tammy Stokes held the bond hearing that had been scheduled by the January 30 Rule Nisi. According to a letter later sent by attorney Joseph Berrigan to the defendant, the judge did not set a bond at this hearing. The judge indicated that any bond she would set would be too high for the defendant to pay.

2/11/26

MOTION TO WITHDRAW AS COUNSEL FILED BY ATTORNEY JOSEPH BERRIGAN

What this means: On February 11, 2026, attorney Joseph J. Berrigan filed a motion asking the court to allow him to withdraw from representing Lenis Amaya-Hernandez. Berrigan stated that he had only been retained for the bond hearing and that his representation was limited to that purpose. He notified the defendant in person on February 10, 2026, of his intent to withdraw and informed him of the pending charges and how to request a public defender. The defendant was also notified in writing by letter dated February 11, 2026. The motion outlined that Lenis Amaya-Hernandez retains the obligation to keep the court informed of his address, prepare to move his case forward, and file any objections to the withdrawal within ten days of the February 10 filing date.

4/22/26

GRAND JURY RETURNS INDICTMENT — 3 COUNTS FILED AGAINST LENIS AMAYA-HERNANDEZ

What this means: During the March Term 2026 of the Superior Court of Chatham County, a grand jury returned a true bill of indictment against Lenis Amaya-Hernandez, formally charging him with three felony offenses. The indictment was returned on April 22, 2026, and signed by District Attorney Shalena Cook Jones of the Eastern Judicial Circuit. Assistant District Attorney Sean Conlen is listed as the prosecuting attorney. The three counts are as follows:

Count 1 — Aggravated Assault (O.C.G.A. 16-5-21): Lenis Amaya-Hernandez is accused of making an assault upon the victim with a deadly weapon, specifically a knife, by stabbing the victim, on or about January 25, 2026, in Chatham County.

Count 2 — Aggravated Battery (O.C.G.A. 16-5-24): Lenis Amaya-Hernandez is accused of maliciously causing bodily harm to the victim by seriously disfiguring the victim’s body through repeated stabbing, on or about January 25, 2026, in Chatham County.

Count 3 — Possession of a Knife During Commission of a Felony (O.C.G.A. 16-11-106): Lenis Amaya-Hernandez is accused of unlawfully having on his person a knife with a blade more than three inches in length during the commission of the crime of Aggravated Assault, on or about January 25, 2026, in Chatham County.

4/23/26

DEFENDANT’S ELECTION TO PROCEED UNDER FORMAL DISCOVERY FILED

What this means: On April 23, 2026, defense attorney Amber Robinson filed a formal notice on behalf of Lenis Amaya-Hernandez electing to proceed under Georgia’s statutory discovery process, O.C.G.A. § 17-16-1 et seq. This means the defense is invoking its right to receive evidence and materials from the prosecution under Georgia’s formal discovery rules, which also obligates the defense to share certain materials with the state.

4/23/26

MOTION TO RESERVE RIGHT TO FILE ADDITIONAL MOTIONS FILED BY DEFENSE

What this means: Also on April 23, 2026, defense attorney Amber Robinson filed a motion asking the court to preserve Lenis Amaya-Hernandez’s right to file additional motions as the case develops. The motion notes that informal discovery is still ongoing and that the complexity of the charges may require further legal filings once additional materials are reviewed. The motion also requests that all hearings be recorded by a certified court reporter.

4/29/26

DEFENDANT’S MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION OF BOND FILED

What this means: On April 29, 2026, defense attorney Amber Robinson filed a motion asking Judge Tammy Stokes to reconsider or reduce the bond previously set in this case at the February 10, 2026 hearing. The motion was filed in the Superior Court of Chatham County under case number SPCR26-00243-J6. A Rule Nisi attached to the motion scheduled a hearing on this request before Judge Stokes on May 12, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

5/12/26

BOND RECONSIDERATION HEARING HELD — WILLFUL OBSTRUCTION CHARGE DISMISSED

What this means: On May 12, 2026, Judge Tammy Stokes held the bond reconsideration hearing that had been scheduled by the April 29 motion. On the same date, the misdemeanor charge of Willful Obstruction of a Law Enforcement Officer was dismissed. This means that charge is no longer pending against Lenis Amaya-Hernandez. The three felony counts from the indictment — aggravated assault, aggravated battery, and possession of a knife during commission of a felony — remain active.

6/15/26

ARRAIGNMENT HEARING SCHEDULED — COURTROOM 3C, JUDGE TAMMY STOKES

What this means: An arraignment hearing is set for June 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in Courtroom 3C of the Chatham County Superior Court before Judge Tammy Stokes. At an arraignment, Lenis Amaya-Hernandez will be formally read the charges against him and asked to enter a plea — typically guilty, not guilty, or no contest — on the remaining three felony counts.

6/16/26

NOLLE PROSEQUI ENTERED — COUNTS 1 THROUGH 3 DISMISSED AGAINST LENIS AMAYA-HERNANDEZ

What this means: On June 16, 2026, Judge Tammy Stokes of the Chatham County Superior Court signed a Nolle Prosequi Order dismissing Counts 1 through 3 of the indictment against Lenis Amaya-Hernandez in case number SPCR26-00243-J6. A nolle prosequi is a formal declaration by the prosecution that it is dropping the charges. The order was filed in open court on June 15, 2026. With all three remaining felony counts — aggravated assault, aggravated battery, and possession of a knife during commission of a felony — now dismissed, there are no longer any active charges against Lenis Amaya-Hernandez in this case.