Former DeKalb sheriff convicted of ordering rival’s murder dies in prison

Written by: KC Harrington

Published March 3, 2026 @ 10:00 PM ET

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Sidney Dorsey, the former DeKalb County sheriff convicted of orchestrating the 2000 killing of Sheriff-elect Derwin Brown, has died while serving a life sentence. He was 86.

A Georgia Department of Corrections official confirmed Dorsey died Monday night of natural causes at Augusta State Medical Prison.

Dorsey served as DeKalb County sheriff from 1996 until 2000, when he was defeated in a contentious reelection campaign by Brown. On Dec. 15, 2000, just three days before Brown was scheduled to take office, the sheriff-elect was shot and killed outside his Decatur home. Authorities later described the killing as a political assassination.

Prosecutors said Brown had campaigned on a promise to eliminate corruption within the sheriff’s office. The killing drew significant attention across metro Atlanta and nationwide.

In 2002, a jury convicted Dorsey of ordering the murder. He was sentenced to life in prison plus 23 years for racketeering and violating his oath of office. In a 2007 prison interview, Dorsey acknowledged directing Deputy Patrick Cuffy to carry out the killing.

Two other men were also convicted in connection with the case. In 2005, Melvin Walker and David Ramsey were found guilty in federal court of conspiracy to commit interstate murder for hire and were sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Last December marked 25 years since Brown’s death. Family members and supporters gathered at Dawn Memorial Park in DeKalb County, where he is buried, for their annual vigil.

Brown is survived by five children. Current DeKalb County Sheriff Melody Maddox has previously credited Brown with influencing her career in law enforcement.

Family members have said they remain focused on preserving Brown’s legacy of integrity and public service.