Crime & Safety
Decatur, Atlanta Police: Same Man Suspected of Multiple Murders
Man is suspected of killing a Smyrna woman near One Decatur Town Center after she left a restaurant downtown, as well as two homeless men.
Credit: Fulton County Sheriff’s Office
By Deb Belt and Justin Ove
Decatur police say the man suspected of killing a Smyrna woman after she left a downtown restaurant and walked to her car is also charged with killing two homeless men in Atlanta.
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According to information released by Decatur Police just before 4:30 on Friday, police have issued an arrest warrant for Aeman Lovel Presley, 34, in relation to the Dec. 6 murder of Karen Pearce of Smyrna. Presley was arrested on Thursday by Atlanta police and is suspected of killing homeless men Dorian Jenkins and Tommy “Can Man” Mims on Nov. 23 and Nov. 26, respectively.
Pearce, 44, was shot and killed in the 100 block of East Ponce de Leon Avenue about 10:55 p.m. on Dec. 6. Witnesses found Pearce laying on the ground as they left a parking area behind One Decatur Town Center.
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Although witnesses reported hearing a gunshot in the downtown area about the time Pearce was found, police waited until Tuesday to confirm the cause of her death. Pearce left a local restaurant and was walking adjacent to where her vehicle was parked.
Decatur authorities say the complicated case involves multiple jurisdictions, and they will release no more details until next week.
On Tuesday, Decatur Police said they were working around the clock to solve Pearce’s death.
“We recognize that everyone is seeking a quick answer to explain the senseless loss of Karen Pearce’s life, but a thorough investigation is a slow and methodical process,” Decatur Police said in a statement Tuesday. “Investigators are following up on every potential lead in an effort to establish a motive and identify who was responsible for the death of Karen Pearce.”
WSB TV reports that Pearce worked a hairstylist at True Hair Salon & Spa in Marietta. The salon’s Facebook page confirmed the death.
Decatur Police Chief Mike Booker says his department is working nonstop to find the person responsible for the “horrific” crime, which he finds troubling.
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