Gwinnett County Department of Corrections – Georgia

Senior Correctional Officer Scott Riner arrived for his shift at 5:15 a.m. at the Gwinnett County Correctional Complex’s employee parking lot.

As he prepared to exit his vehicle, a suspicious person approached the passenger side. Officer Riner exited his vehicle and went towards the back of his vehicle while questioning the suspicious person, who suddenly pulled out a handgun and shot Officer Riner. The shooter then ran to where he was on the ground and fired again, killing him.

The offender then circled back around and appeared to do a final check, before fleeing. He was arrested three days later and charged with felony murder and aggravated assault.

Senior Correctional Officer Scott Riner had served the Gwinnett County Department of Corrections for 12 years.

Officer Riner was honored to wear the badge, he believed the job gave him the opportunity to help people, and in the days since his passing, former inmates have reached out to the family to share how he impacted their lives.

He loved the outdoors, was an avid hunter and spent weekends on his farm. His friends and loved ones remember him for his great sense of humor.

Officer Riner was known as a family man. “He said, ‘A hundred years from now it won’t matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of truck I drove. But my life will have mattered because I was important in the life of my two kids,” his cousin recalled.

Officer Riner leaves behind his wife of 22 years, Elana Chessor Riner, his son Taylor and daughter Madison. Being called “Grand Daddy” by his grandson Easton Parker was his greatest joy as he loved to watch YouTube videos with him and taking him fishing.

His co-workers remember him fondly, sharing that “doing Shop-with-a-Cop with Scott was like watching a comedy show. All the kids loved him.” He maintained his positive attitude through his career.