Tina Hatchet Homicide: Atlanta Police Arrest Suspect After Shocking Discovery in Perkerson Park Sparks Citywide Investigation

ATLANTA, GA — The city of Atlanta is reeling after the body of 57-year-old Tina Hatchet was discovered early Saturday morning in Perkerson Park, prompting a swift and far-reaching investigation that has since led to an arrest at Emory University. What began as a quiet patrol through a public greenspace has now turned into a homicide case that spans multiple neighborhoods, rattling residents and shining a spotlight on the growing concerns over safety in urban public areas.

A Chilling Discovery in a Neighborhood Park

The tragic sequence of events began in the early morning hours of Saturday, June 15, when an Atlanta Police Department officer was conducting a routine patrol through Perkerson Park, located on Deckner Avenue in the Capitol View neighborhood—just south of Downtown Atlanta. What the officer stumbled upon during that routine patrol has since changed the lives of a grieving family and shaken an entire city.

According to police reports, the officer found a woman lying motionless in a grassy area just off a walking path. Medical personnel were immediately called to the scene, but it was quickly determined that the woman—later identified as Tina Hatchet—was already deceased. Investigators noted signs of visible trauma, suggesting the possibility of foul play. The area was immediately cordoned off as a potential crime scene.

Within hours, homicide detectives arrived to begin gathering evidence. Perkerson Park, typically a place of family outings, youth sports, and community events, was transformed into the epicenter of a growing criminal investigation. Yellow crime scene tape, marked squad cars, and forensic teams stood in stark contrast to the park’s usually serene and welcoming atmosphere.

Surveillance Footage Uncovers Key Lead

Detectives wasted no time pursuing leads. As part of their initial investigation, they canvassed surrounding streets and businesses for surveillance footage. The breakthrough came when officers reviewed footage from cameras located near one of the park’s entrances. The video captured a crucial moment: a blue SUV pulling into a nearby parking area around the time the body was believed to have been left.

In the video, a man is seen stepping out of the driver’s side and walking to the passenger door. The footage then shows him removing what appears to be a lifeless body from the vehicle and laying it on the ground before calmly getting back into the SUV and driving away. That chilling image became the linchpin of a manhunt that quickly escalated.

Using a combination of license plate readers, vehicle identification technology, and community tips, investigators were able to trace the vehicle’s movements after it left Perkerson Park. Their efforts eventually led them to Emory University, located in the northeastern section of Atlanta. It was there, at a parking deck on campus, that officers located both the vehicle and the individual they believe was behind the crime.

Suspect Apprehended and Taken into Custody

By early Sunday morning, officers had tracked the blue SUV to a campus location and moved in. The suspect was located nearby and taken into custody without incident. He is currently being held as the primary person of interest in the case. While police have confirmed his identity, further details about his connection to Hatchet, including any possible motive, have not been publicly disclosed due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.

Police sources indicate that evidence collected from the suspect’s vehicle, including forensic materials and potential digital data, is now undergoing further analysis. Investigators are also combing through phone records, social media activity, and prior encounters between the suspect and the victim to better understand the nature of their relationship.

A Life Tragically Cut Short

The victim, Tina Hatchet, was a 57-year-old Atlanta resident with deep roots in the community. Friends and neighbors have described her as warm, hardworking, and deeply family-oriented. Her sudden and violent death has left her loved ones devastated, struggling to understand how someone so full of life could become the victim of such a senseless act.

“She didn’t deserve this,” said one family friend. “She was kind, she was thoughtful, and she was someone who always tried to make others feel seen and loved. This is just heartbreaking.”

In the days since her death, tributes have poured in online and throughout her community. Candlelight vigils are being planned, and a memorial garden is being discussed near the area where her body was found. What began as a place of tragedy is now slowly transforming into a space of remembrance and resolve.

Residents on Edge

The incident has also raised serious concerns among residents of the Capitol View neighborhood and the broader Atlanta metro area. Perkerson Park, like many of the city’s public spaces, is a central hub for recreation, family activities, and community events. The fact that such a heinous act occurred in such a public setting—and that a suspect was able to deposit a body and drive away undetected—has left many questioning safety protocols and visibility in public parks.

“This is a wake-up call,” said a local resident who frequently jogs at the park. “If something like this can happen in broad daylight or close to it, we need to ask ourselves what more can be done to make our parks safe.”

City officials have acknowledged these concerns and promised a reassessment of patrol procedures and security measures at all city parks. Talks are already underway to increase camera surveillance coverage, improve lighting in certain areas, and step up community policing programs.

Ongoing Investigation: Community Urged to Help

Atlanta Police continue to actively investigate the homicide. They are asking anyone who may have seen the blue SUV in or around Perkerson Park during the early hours of Saturday, or who may have interacted with the suspect in the days prior, to come forward. Tip lines have been established, and anonymous reporting is being encouraged.

While a suspect is in custody, authorities stress that the investigation remains open and fluid. Additional charges may follow, and law enforcement officials are working closely with prosecutors to ensure the case is handled with the highest degree of care and thoroughness.

The Atlanta Police Department has also stated that they are looking into whether there could be any other cases connected to the suspect—either in Atlanta or elsewhere. As part of standard procedure, they are coordinating with regional law enforcement and sharing relevant details.

City Responds with Support and Grief

Community leaders, faith organizations, and local activists have rallied in the wake of the tragedy. Prayer circles, public discussions, and neighborhood forums are being organized not only to honor Hatchet’s life but to address the underlying issues of violence and vulnerability that this case has exposed.

Atlanta Mayor’s Office issued a statement expressing condolences to the family and reaffirming the city’s commitment to public safety and justice. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of a member of our community and will do everything in our power to bring accountability and healing,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, residents are doing what they can to support one another—offering meals to the family, creating artwork in Hatchet’s memory, and setting up online fundraisers to assist with funeral costs and related expenses.

Justice on the Horizon

Though the days ahead will be difficult for Hatchet’s family and the city at large, there is a sense of determination growing in the community. The arrest of a suspect brings a measure of relief, but also deepens the call for systemic change—both in the way violence against women is addressed and in how the city safeguards its public spaces.

As investigators continue their work, Atlanta grieves—but it also remembers, unites, and pushes forward. The life that was lost in the quiet grass of Perkerson Park will not be forgotten. Tina Hatchet’s memory now lives on in the hearts of a city determined to seek justice, honor her legacy, and ensure such tragedy is never repeated.

Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Atlanta Police Department’s Homicide Unit or Crime Stoppers Atlanta. Tips can remain anonymous, and rewards may be available for information leading to charges or conviction.