Tragedy struck at a Stonecrest apartment complex in Lithonia, where an early morning shooting left one person dead and another in critical condition. The DeKalb County Police Department responded to the violent outburst at the Windward Forest apartments located on the 2600 block of Embarcadero Drive, near Emory Hillandale Hospital.
Upon their arrival, officers discovered two victims with gunshot wounds. Authorities confirmed that one victim was dead at the scene, while the second victim was transported to a local hospital and remains in critical condition, as FOX 5 Atlanta reported. According to the police, the shooting was targeted, the gunman knew the victims, and there is no immediate threat to the community at this time.
As investigators scoured the crime scene cordoned off with tape and dotted with evidence markers, a blue tarp obscured part of the investigation from public view. Meanwhile, other officials donned protective gear, meticulously searching through a dumpster — possibly seeking discarded evidence related to the shooting incident.
A local resident, Julie Almond spoke about the harrowing ordeal mentioning, "It sounded about four or five, and I heard a female screaming," in an account to reporters, adding "I stayed in my bed," according to AJC. The sound of gunfire and ensuing screams shattered the early morning calm around 5:45 a.m., preceding the arrival of law enforcement and emergency responders.
The DeKalb County Police Department's homicide unit urges anyone with information on the shooting to come forward and contact them at (770) 724-7850. As of now, no information about the gunman has been disclosed to the public as the investigation continues to unfold.
