Austell man accused of murdering teen tries to stab himself in front of police, authorities say

COBB COUNTY, GA – An Austell man accused of murdering a teenager tried to harm himself in front of police when he was arrested, according to officers who found him.

Shortly before 9:30 a.m. Friday, Cobb County police responded to a home on Fringe Flower Drive in Austell where they were told someone had been shot.

They found Alejandro Mario Bencomo Aguilar, 57, suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. As they approached him, they said he had tried to stab himself with a knife.

Officers searched the rest of the house and found a 16-year-old girl in the upstairs bedroom. She appeared to have been shot multiple times. Medical professionals attempted to resuscitate her, but she was pronounced dead.

Aguilar was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital where he underwent surgery and is currently recovering.

Police believe Aguilar shot the juvenile and turned the gun on himself. He has been charged with murder, aggravated assault and first-degree cruelty to children.

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with additional information is asked to call the Major Crimes Unit at 770-499-3945.