Ahmaud Arbery: Person who wrote condolence note not connected to the case, GBI says

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said that a note of condolence left at the site where Ahmaud Arbery was killed on Feb. 23 was written by a person who is not connected to the case.

The note reads:

“Ahmaud -- I am so sorry. I should have stopped them. I am so sorry.”

GBI, which is investigating Arbery’s killing, released the following statement Thursday about the note:

“The GBI has identified the individual that wrote this note. The individual is not connected to the Ahmaud Arbery murder investigation in any way. This person was expressing their condolences for Arbery’s death. We’ve received numerous tips and inquires related to this and wanted to be sure to update the public. This investigation remains active and ongoing.”

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S. Lee Merritt, Benjamin Crump and L. Chris Stewart, attorneys for the mother and father of Ahmaud Arbery, released the following statement on Wednesday about the note:

"The family of Ahmaud Arbery is very interested in reaching out to the individual who left the heartfelt note at the site of Ahmaud Arbery’s death. They feel great sympathy for the person who wrote that note and would like to speak with them to determine what they knew or what they saw. If that person would like to confidentially come forward and communicate with the family, they can contact the legal team or reach out directly to Mr. Arbery’s family.

“Ahmaud Arbery’s family has been overwhelmed by the well-wishes and expressions of kindness sent to them from people around the world. They would like to extend their sincere thanks to those who have taken the time to send a letter, write an email or honor Mr. Arbery in their own way. Support from family and friends and the kindness of strangers are the only things keeping them going during this incredibly difficult time.”

Gregory McMichael along with his son Travis McMichael are charged with aggravated assault and felony murder in the shooting death of Arbery. They were arrested by the GBI on May 7 and are both currently in jail.