DeKalb County Police are intensifying their search for a second suspect tied to a fatal shooting incident during a robbery at a Lithonia-area gas station last month. The situation unfolded on Nov. 17 at approximately 7:33 p.m. when officers responded to a Circle K in the 6400 block of Covington Highway, following reports of a shooting. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, found at the scene was 19-year-old Tristyn Mays, who died from a gunshot wound.
Another victim, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries, managed to flee to Cove Lane where he was later located by the police. The hospital has been attending to his recovery, as noted by 11Alive. Surveillance video review and interviews with the surviving victim led investigators to conclude that the deceased, Mays, was indeed involved in the attempted robbery, and that the victim had shot him in self-defense during the incident.
Police have also determined that an second suspect was involved in the crime, firing shots at the victim before scattering from the scene. The authorities have made public surveillance images of the unidentified suspect and are urging the community for assistance in identification. "After investigators reviewed video from the gas station and spoke with the victim, they determined the shooting happened during an attempt to rob the victim," police said, as per the statement obtained by 11Alive.
At present, specific circumstances that led to the attempted robbery remain undisclosed, as do any connections between the suspects and the victim. Charges are yet to be formalized as the investigation progresses. DeKalb Police continue their appeal for information, offering the possibility for individuals to submit tips anonymously through the free DeKalb County PD Tip411 app or by texting “DKPD” to 847411.
