A third person has died following a series of shootings in the Atlanta area, bringing the death toll to three. Police in Brookhaven confirmed that Tony Matthews, a 49-year-old homeless man, died Sunday from injuries sustained during the early morning hours of April 13 outside a Kroger grocery store. The suspect, Olaolukitan Adon Abel, a 26-year-old U.S. Navy veteran, is already charged with two counts of malice murder, aggravated assault, and gun offenses in Georgia state court. He also faces a federal firearms charge. Authorities have not yet established a motive for the attacks.
Key Developments
Third Victim Identified: Matthews was shot outside a Brookhaven supermarket around 2 a.m. on April 13. He died from his injuries over the weekend. The other two victims were Prianna Weathers, 31, shot outside a Checkers restaurant in DeKalb County, and Lauren Bullis, a Department of Homeland Security auditor, who was found with gunshot and stab wounds near Abel’s home.
Suspect’s Background: Abel, a naturalized U.S. citizen from the United Kingdom, was granted citizenship in 2022 while serving in the Navy. He had a prior felony conviction, which barred him from legally purchasing firearms. Authorities allege that another man bought the gun used in the shootings for Abel.
Context and Investigation
Roommates’ Account: Roommates told the Associated Press that Abel stormed out of his communal home after an argument over the air conditioning shortly before the shootings. The home, managed by PadSplit, is under scrutiny over background check protocols.
Timeline of Attacks: Abel allegedly drove about 5 miles to shoot Weathers at 12:50 a.m., then traveled 12 miles to shoot Matthews around 2 a.m. Bullis was found hours later near Abel’s residence. Police believe at least one victim may have been targeted, though the investigation is ongoing.
Legal and Policy Implications
Federal Charges: Abel faces a federal firearms charge, as well as the man accused of purchasing the gun for him. The case has raised questions about how someone with a felony record could access firearms and housing without proper vetting.
Victims’ Families Demand Justice: Relatives of the victims have expressed grief and frustration, with some questioning how Abel could commit such acts. Martinez Weathers, father of Prianna Weathers, described his daughter as someone who had recently faced personal struggles. Bullis’ husband declined to comment publicly.
Unanswered Questions: Authorities have not yet determined whether Abel knew any of the victims or if the shootings were random. The investigation remains active.