Former Area Athlete Charged in Beating Death at Bar

A bar bouncer who was an athlete at high schools in Dunwoody and Johns Creek has been charged in the beating death of an 18-year-old.

WSAV reports that Grant James Spencer, 20, an off-duty bouncer at Rude Rudy’s bar in Statesboro, faces charges of beating Michael Gatto, 18. Authorities say Gatto died Thursday after he was beaten and left unconscious outside the bar.

Police officers were called to Rude Rudy’s just after midnight and found Gatto non-responsive, with head injuries. Gatto died Thursday afternoon at Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah.

Spencer was initially charged with aggravated assault. Statesboro Police say more serious charges could be filed as the investigation continues.

According to WSAV, Rude Rudy’s posted this statement on its Facebook page Thursday night:

“Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to the Gatto family. At the time of the incident, the employee in question was not working. His employment at Rude Rudy’s has since been terminated. Rude Rudy’s will continue to do everything possible to assist in the investigation.”

Gatto was a graduate of South Forsyth High School, reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and a student at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro.

The South Forsyth track team tweeted a message Thursday evening saying, “Michael Gatto was an integral part of our track program for 4 years. He was a tremendous young man and will be missed by all that knew him.”

Spencer attended Dunwoody High School, and transferred his junior year to Johns Creek High School. He was on the wrestling teams at both schools, the newspaper says.