The Atlanta Police Department disclosed fresh insights today into the unsolved double homicide of an Atlanta couple that transpired more than three years ago, in hopes of reviving the stagnant investigation. Fox 5 Atlanta reported that Centeria Fields, 41, and Stanley Pratt, 46, were found dead with gunshot wounds inside their residence at the Columbia Peoplestown Apartments on the morning of Dec. 18, 2021, a discovery made following a distress call to 911 allegedly made by Fields' son.
According to Atlanta News First, detectives believe the suspect, dressed in black waited outside the couple's apartment until Pratt stepped out to smoke, subsequently shooting him in the face before following Pratt inside to continue the attack, indicative of someone with intimate knowledge of both the apartment's layout and Pratt's morning routine; despite a gated community presumed safe by the couple, the police have yet to determine the murderer's exact motive.
Lt. Andrew Smith, the Homicide Commander, expressed the necessity of community assistance in the case, especially in light of the new security footage shared at today's press conference showing Pratt rushing into his bedroom with the unidentified assailant in pursuit. Alanda Pritchett, sister to Fields, told Fox 5 Atlanta that her sister's children were "traumatized" by the horrific event and are eager for answers, stating, "They're hurt, they want answers too." The family, in a poignant plea for information, articulated their sorrow; the mother of three of Pratt's children said, "This person took someone that means a lot to our family," as recounted by Fox 5 Atlanta.
Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to step forward. Tips can be submitted to the Atlanta detectives at (404) 617-3012 or Crime Stoppers at (404) 577-847.
