The quest to solve a cold case murder heats up as the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) appeals to the public for any new information regarding the 2020 shooting death of Dorian Lydell Hankins, a 31-year-old man from Palmetto. Hankins, also known by the nickname BLOCC, was fatally shot at his home on Chestnut Oak Drive, on the night of March 9, 2020, according to FOX 5 Atlanta. Found dead on his living room floor after several shots were fired into the residence, the mystery of his death still looms large with no suspects identified nor motives clear, even after four years.
GBI is urging anyone with information that might shed light on the killing to come forward, reminding the public of a potential $2,000 reward for details leading to an arrest and indictment. Those with relevant knowledge are requested to contact the Regional Investigative Office in Conyers at (770) 388-5019.
While the GBI continues their search for the truth in the Hankins case, the DeKalb County legal system deals with recent fallout from a 2022 incident involving two police officers. DeKalb County officers Russell Mathis and Jordan Vance now face indictment over the shooting death of local resident Mirando Salmon, as per the announcement by District Attorney Sherry Boston. Boston stated during a news conference that a grand jury had handed down indictments for both officers regarding the November 2022 case, Atlanta News First reported.
Details from the district attorney’s office revealed that Salmon was killed after officers Mathis and Vance were conducting a check at his residence, responding to reports of a stolen car. During the incident, Mathis reportedly opened fire on Salmon, who had thrown a cell phone in Mathis's direction – mistaken for a knife, inside the dark bedroom. Unfortunately, Salmon, an unarmed and lawful gun owner, succumbed to the injuries sustained. "We have arranged with their attorneys to turn in themselves to the DeKalb County Jail in the coming days," District Attorney Boston said, as per Atlanta News First report. Officer Mathis faces charges for involuntary manslaughter, and reckless conduct, while Vance is indicted on reckless conduct charges.
