Woman Fatally Shot at Halloween Party in DeKalb County; Police Searching for Suspect
DEKALB COUNTY, GEORGIA — A Halloween celebration in DeKalb County ended in tragedy when a young woman was shot and killed early Saturday morning. Police are now searching for the suspect responsible for the deadly shooting, which neighbors say broke out after an argument outside a rental home being used for a party.
According to Channel 2 Action News, residents in the south DeKalb neighborhood reported hearing a heated argument that lasted nearly 15 minutes before gunfire rang out. “It was like ‘bang,’ stop, and then ‘bang,’” said Marta, a nearby resident who asked not to share her last name. “And then you can hear cars leaving.”
When she looked outside, Marta said she saw a body lying in the street. “It was scary,” she said. “You know, seeing that person in front of your house.”
Police Respond to Early Morning Shooting
The DeKalb County Police Department confirmed that officers responded to a report of gunfire around 3 a.m. on Saturday in a residential area where the Halloween gathering was being held. Investigators found a woman dead at the scene.
Neighbors told police that the house where the shooting occurred was being rented through Airbnb for a party. They described the event as loud but said it didn’t appear to be out of control before the violence erupted.
“It’s a big change, you know, because it’s always quiet over here,” Marta said. “Then you got somebody who died in front of your house, and it’s crazy because that’s not even your neighbors — that’s some people who just come and go.”
Investigation Underway, No Suspect Identified Yet
Police have not released the name of the victim, citing the need to notify her family first. Detectives say they are still working to identify a suspect and determine what led to the argument that turned deadly.
So far, no arrests have been made, and investigators have not confirmed whether the victim or the shooter were guests at the party.
Authorities are asking anyone with information or video footage from the area to contact DeKalb County Police Homicide Unit or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta.
Community Left Shaken After Halloween Violence
Neighbors say the deadly incident has shattered the sense of calm in their usually quiet community. Several residents told reporters that they are reconsidering the growing use of short-term rental homes for parties, which they say often attract large groups unfamiliar with the area.
“It’s heartbreaking,” Marta said. “You never expect something like this to happen right outside your home.”
Police have not disclosed a possible motive, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information that could help police locate the suspect is urged to call Crime Stoppers Atlanta at (404) 577-TIPS (8477).
Residents can follow updates on this developing story at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
