DeKalb County Police investigate Lithonia murder

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - The DeKalb County Police Department's Major Crimes Unit has opened an investigation into a homicide early Monday morning in Lithonia.

According to police, a homeowner, who rents out his basement on Phillips Road, heard gunshots coming from the lower level at around 2 a.m. and discovered his tenant dead.

"He said early that morning he did hear some gunshots coming from downstairs in the basement. So, he went downstairs to check," said DeKalb Police Lt. Lonzy Robertson. "When he went to go check, he did find the victim, Steven Mayer, laying in a pool of blood in the basement."

Mayer, 30, had lived in the basement on and off for some time. Police hope surveillance cameras on the home may have captured video of a suspect. They ask, however, that anyone who saw anything notify detectives.

"If somebody saw a vehicle or anything or people around that home, in that area around that time, please contact us and we'd be willing to listen," said Lt. Robertson.

Ed Grant lives across the street and heard the shots. He said gunfire has become all too common in the area.

"Whoever the killer is or whoever's doing all this shooting around here, they need to stop them," said Grant. "I hope the young bloods hear this--they need to quit. You need to start thinking. You know what I mean? It makes no sense. Young bloods are dying left and right. Young girls are dying left and right."