DeKalb County, GA — Adult and Child Tragically Killed in Columbia Drive Double Homicide; Police Launch Intense Manhunt for Suspect

A heartbreaking and deeply unsettling tragedy unfolded in DeKalb County, Georgia, on the afternoon of Friday, June 13, 2025, when a deadly shooting at an apartment complex claimed the lives of two individuals — one adult and one child. The incident, which occurred around 3:00 p.m. at a residential complex located along Columbia Drive near Interstate 20, has sent waves of sorrow and disbelief throughout the local community. Law enforcement agencies are now fully engaged in a relentless manhunt to locate and apprehend the suspect believed to be responsible for this devastating act of violence.

The Incident: A Quiet Afternoon Shattered by Gunfire

What began as a typical Friday afternoon in this residential part of DeKalb County quickly descended into chaos when the sound of gunfire rang out through the air. According to preliminary reports from the DeKalb County Police Department, officers were dispatched to the scene shortly after multiple 911 calls began flooding into dispatch. These urgent calls reported active gunshots at the apartment complex, sparking immediate concern for the safety of residents, including children and families in the vicinity.

Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement officers encountered a deeply distressing situation. Inside one of the units — or just outside, depending on reports still under review — two individuals were discovered with critical injuries consistent with gunshot wounds. Despite the rapid response of police, fire rescue, and emergency medical personnel, both victims were tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

Victims Identified as Adult and Juvenile

While authorities have withheld the names of the deceased pending family notification and investigative protocols, officials have confirmed that the victims included one adult and one child. The relationship between the two has not been officially confirmed, though early accounts suggest they may have been members of the same household.

The death of the child has particularly devastated the community, igniting outrage, grief, and a desperate desire for justice. Neighbors expressed horror that such violence could erupt so close to home — in a place where children play, families gather, and residents go about their daily lives.

Immediate Law Enforcement Response and Ongoing Investigation

As of the latest reports, DeKalb County law enforcement, in coordination with local and state authorities, has launched a full-scale manhunt to identify and apprehend the individual responsible for the killings. The suspect, whose identity has not been released, is believed to have fled the scene immediately after the shooting and remains at large.

Investigators have combed through the scene meticulously, securing evidence, conducting witness interviews, and reviewing any available security footage from the complex and surrounding area. Patrol units, K-9 teams, and air support have been deployed to widen the search radius in case the suspect fled on foot or is attempting to evade detection in the broader metro area.

Authorities have asked the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or potential sightings of the suspect. Tipsters may contact the DeKalb County Police Department or submit information anonymously through the Crime Stoppers hotline.

Witness Accounts: Terror and Confusion

Witnesses on the scene described the moments after the gunfire as frantic and surreal. Many residents were enjoying the mild weather or finishing work when they heard what they initially thought were firecrackers — only to realize quickly that something much more sinister was unfolding.

“I heard at least six or seven shots,” one resident shared. “Then people were screaming and running. I saw someone trying to give CPR before the police arrived. It was horrible.”

Another individual, who lives just a few doors down from the unit where the shooting occurred, recalled watching from their window as officers cleared the area and began performing emergency interventions. “The officers looked shaken. And when I saw them bring out the child, my heart just broke. You never expect to see that where you live.”

A Community Shaken to Its Core

In the hours following the tragedy, grief and tension filled the air at the apartment complex. Residents gathered in small groups, consoling each other, expressing disbelief, and asking how such violence could have found its way into their homes. Local community leaders, school officials, and faith-based organizations quickly mobilized to offer support to the grieving neighborhood.

Mental health counselors and trauma specialists have been dispatched to provide grief support, especially for children and adolescents who may have known the juvenile victim or witnessed the incident firsthand. Schools in the surrounding area have also been alerted, and administrators have pledged to provide additional resources to students and staff affected by the tragedy.

Local clergy held a prayer vigil near the complex later in the evening, drawing dozens of mourners who stood in silence with candles in hand — a somber reflection of the community’s shared sorrow and resolve.

Broader Concerns: Gun Violence and Domestic Tragedies

While officials have not confirmed a motive or specific circumstances surrounding the incident, early indications point to the possibility of the shooting stemming from a domestic altercation. If confirmed, this would mark another instance in a deeply troubling pattern of domestic-related homicides that continue to plague communities across the United States.

Gun violence, particularly when it enters the home and targets the most vulnerable, remains a persistent and painful reality. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Everytown for Gun Safety show that firearms are now the leading cause of death among children and teens in the U.S. Incidents like the one in DeKalb County add to a growing toll of young lives lost to senseless and preventable violence.

Advocates are renewing calls for legislative action, improved access to mental health services, and community-based interventions to reduce conflict and prevent escalation. While solutions remain complex, the emotional and societal cost of inaction continues to climb with each new tragedy.

Law Enforcement Plea for Help

In an official statement released late Friday evening, DeKalb County police renewed their plea for public cooperation. They urged anyone who was in the area at the time of the shooting — even if they didn’t witness the violence directly — to come forward. Small details, like seeing someone fleeing or acting suspiciously before or after 3:00 p.m., may prove invaluable to investigators.

Furthermore, police stressed that no tip is too minor and emphasized the availability of anonymous reporting options for those hesitant to speak openly.

Support for the Families

Local charitable groups and volunteers have already begun organizing fundraisers and support efforts for the surviving family members of the victims. Meal trains, online donation pages, and clothing drives have been established by neighbors and community organizers to assist in any way possible.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been made public, but local funeral homes have pledged support, and several pastors have offered to host memorial services or spiritual guidance free of charge.

The tragedy has also prompted renewed discussions about community safety, including lighting improvements, neighborhood watch programs, and increased police patrols around vulnerable areas. Residents say they feel deeply impacted and want to take proactive steps to prevent further violence.

Moving Forward: Grief, Justice, and Healing

In the wake of such a profound loss, the DeKalb County community finds itself united by grief but also by a determination not to let the memory of the victims be forgotten. As investigators continue their search for answers and the suspect remains at large, loved ones of the victims are left to process unimaginable pain.

Yet amid the sorrow, there is also solidarity — a shared belief that justice must be served and that the victims’ lives must be honored through action, remembrance, and love.

The names of the adult and child lost in this tragedy will be released in due time, once all family members have been informed and authorities have completed the necessary procedures. Until then, the community continues to grieve — and waits for justice.

Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to contact the DeKalb County Police Department or Crime Stoppers Atlanta at (404) 577-TIPS (8477). You may remain anonymous.