Decatur Police looking for 'person of interest' after man found dead

DECATUR, Ga. (FOX 5 Atlanta) - Decatur Police are searching for a “person of interest,” after investigators said a man was found brutally beaten and stabbed in his home.

The victim was identified as 31-year-old Keonta Rapheal Metts, who loved ones said was well-known and liked in his hometown of Decatur.

"It's scary. It's painful. It's unfair," said friend Mashika Gallo, who said the community is rocked by the tragedy, and can't fathom the reason for the murder. 

Shortly before 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, officers were called to an apartment complex on the 400 block of West Trinity Place for a welfare check . Neighbors said family members were concerned they hadn't heard from Metts, who was known to contact loved ones several times a day. 

The Medical Examiner said Metts suffered multiple stab wounds and signs of blunt force trauma.  

Police said Thursday that there was no sign of forced entry, and they released photos of a man who was seen with Metts on Tuesday evening.

Anyone who recognizes the man is asked to call 678-553-6664 or Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta at 404-577-TIPS to remain anonymous.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is helping with the case.