Atlanta homicide detectives say they now have arrest warrants in hand for a 22-year-old they connect to a January shooting that left a 55-year-old man dead outside a southwest Atlanta gas station.
The victim, identified by authorities as Larry Battle, was found unresponsive with a gunshot wound in the parking lot of a Valero station on Beeler Drive SW on January 15. He was pronounced dead at the scene. In the weeks that followed, investigators released surveillance images and video from the night of the killing, asking the public to help identify anyone involved. Police say the person named in the new warrants is already being held in Cherokee County on separate drug- and weapons-related charges.
Police release images, offer reward
Atlanta police published a Crime Stoppers update that includes surveillance stills and a flyer showing the person of interest and the crime scene, according to the Atlanta Police Department. The post notes that officers were called to the 2600 block of Beeler Drive SW around 10:40 p.m. on Jan. 15 and that tipsters could be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
Investigators highlighted some of the visible details in the footage, including specific clothing, a crossbody bag and a silver chain, in hopes that someone will recognize the person seen on camera.
Warrants name man held in Cherokee County
Homicide detectives have secured arrest warrants for 22-year-old Elijah Wilbon, charging him with murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, according to 11Alive. That report states Wilbon is being held at the Cherokee County jail on unrelated drug- and weapons-possession charges, and a public booking record lists a March booking under the same name.
Atlanta detectives have not said whether they have arranged for Wilbon to be transferred or extradited to Fulton County as the homicide investigation continues.
What the charges mean
Under Georgia law, murder is defined and prosecuted under O.C.G.A. § 16-5-1, which covers both malice murder and felony murder, as outlined in the state code. A murder conviction can carry a life sentence or, in aggravating circumstances, capital exposure. Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony is charged separately under O.C.G.A. § 16-11-106, with its own range of penalties under the Georgia statutes.
Prosecutors can pursue multiple counts if the case moves to indictment, based on those overlapping provisions. Anyone charged in the case remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
How to submit tips
Anyone with information is asked to contact the APD Homicide Unit at (404) 546-4235 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477 or via the Atlanta Police Department, per the police release. Tips can also be sent through the P3 app or by texting CSGA to 738477. Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta has said tipsters may be eligible for a reward if their information leads to an arrest and indictment.
Investigators are still asking residents and business owners to share any store security or door-cam video from the area that could help identify the people seen in the released footage.
As previously reported, Atlanta police opened the homicide investigation in January, and the department's first batch of images is included in our earlier coverage. See our first look at the Beeler Drive shooting for background.
