A 26-year-old man originally from Britain, who naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 2022, faces charges for murdering two people and injuring another in a series of random shootings in DeKalb County, Georgia. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed the suspect’s background amid the investigation into these ‘pure evil’ acts.
Details of the Deadly Attacks
Olaolukitan Adon Abel allegedly began the spree early Monday with a shooting outside a Checkers on Wesley Chapel Road in Decatur around 12:52 a.m. A woman suffered multiple gunshot wounds and later died at a hospital. Next-of-kin notification remains pending for her.
About an hour later, Abel drove to Cherokee Plaza at 3855 Peachtree Road in Atlanta and fired multiple shots at a 49-year-old homeless man outside a Kroger store in Brookhaven. The victim arrived at the hospital in critical condition.
Shortly after 6:30 a.m., Abel shot and stabbed DHS employee Lauren Bullis, 40, while she walked her dog on Battle Forrest Drive near Decatur. Neighbors reported hearing gunshots between 6:30 and 7 a.m. Bullis died at the scene.
Tribute to Victim Lauren Bullis
Bullis served in the DHS Office of the Inspector General as an auditor and team leader. Colleagues describe her as someone who ‘approached her work with integrity, thoughtfulness, and a commitment to excellence.’ She brought ‘warmth, kindness, and a genuine sense of care’ to the DHS community.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated on X, ‘These acts of pure evil have devastated our Department and my prayers are with the families of the victims.’ A GoFundMe for her husband, Jimmie, has raised over $11,200 toward an $18,000 goal.
Suspect’s Capture and Background
Police tracked Abel’s silver Volkswagen Jetta via surveillance cameras. The Georgia Department of Public Safety arrested him during a felony traffic stop. He faces charges of two counts of malice murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during a felony, and possession by a convicted felon.
Abel’s criminal history includes convictions for sexual battery, battery on a police officer, obstruction, assault with a deadly weapon, and vandalism. Court records show a prior arrest last April for grabbing four women inappropriately, leading to four misdemeanor counts of sexual battery and obstruction. He received 120 days in jail, 36 months’ probation, and a mental health evaluation.
Mullin noted on X, ‘Since President Trump took office, USCIS has implemented measures to ensure individuals with criminal histories and who otherwise lack good moral character do not attain citizenship.’
Investigation Ongoing
Motive remains unknown. Brookhaven Police Chief Brandon Gurley said, ‘Our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family as he fights to recover.’ Neighbor Tiffany Williams witnessed the scene near Bullis: ‘It was a lady laying down and a man over her, so I’m running.’ Abel waived his Tuesday court appearance.
