DeKalb County Police release surveillance in Stone Mountain homicide

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - Investigators hope someone will be able to identify two persons of interest captured on surveillance video shortly before the murder of a Stone Mountain man.

DeKalb County Police released video Tuesday of two men interacting with the victim, Melvin Sanders, III, 23, outside a convenience store at the corner of Rockbridge and Stone Mountain Lithonia roads.

Officers said Sanders got into his brother's car and left the store after the exchange, but a white sedan followed them down the street and someone inside the car opened fire, striking Sanders in the head. He succumbed to his injuries Saturday at Grady Memorial Hospital.

"We have two people that we can see very clearly go into the store before the interaction with the victim," explained DeKalb Police Sgt. B. Danner. "One of them gets in the car, the other one walks away. So, we're hoping that someone can identify one or both of these people so we can talk to them and find out what's going on."

Sanders's father, Melvin Sanders, Jr. said his son was well-known in the community.

"He never stood up for violence. He always stood up for the enlightenment of the people on this planet, regardless of who they were," said Sanders, Jr. "I think he was more of a soulful person--something that's steadfast, never waivers."

Sander said the past several days have been very difficult for his wife and other family members, though they have taken comfort in the outpouring of support around them.

"That's what has been keeping us going--the love and affection of the community and our family members," said Sanders.

The family has offered a reward for information leading to an arrest in the case.

DeKalb County Police described the persons of interest as black males, one wore a black tank top and black pants with an "Atlanta" headband and a fanny pack. The second man was wearing a striped t-shirt and light-colored pants and carried a bag over his shoulder.

Police ask anyone who recognize the men in the surveillance video to call the homicide unit at 770-724-7850.