Dinner party dispute ends in deadly shooting, Smyrna police say

Friendly dinner turns into deadly shooting

Smyrna Police say 48 year old Tori Harris was was killed by a single gunshot outside his home in the Vinings Brooke subdivision early Sunday morning. 

SMYRNA, Ga. - Smyrna police say the man accused of killing 48-year-old Tori Harris during a late-night gathering has turned himself in. Investigators confirmed that 50-year-old Nikia Williams surrendered at the Cobb County Jail on Wednesday morning. He is charged with murder and aggravated assault.

What we know:

The shooting happened early Sunday outside Harris' home in the Vinings Brooke subdivision. Police say Harris and about a half dozen friends had gone out to dinner Saturday night, then returned to his home to continue talking. Witnesses told investigators the group stayed into the early hours of Sunday.

At some point, police say Harris asked Williams to leave. 

What they're saying:

Witnesses told officers Williams refused, which led to an argument and then a struggle.

"The suspect, Mr. Williams, didn't want to leave the house and there was a verbal altercation and a physical altercation and according to witnesses, all of a sudden there was a gun," said Smyrna Police Lt. Meredith Holt.

Witnesses reported hearing a single gunshot. Officers arrived to find Harris on the pavement near the walkway leading to the front door.

"Officers arrived on scene, and they found the victim deceased in front of the residence. On the walking path up to the front door," Holt said.

Police say Williams ran before officers arrived. Investigators searched for him until he turned himself in on Wednesday.

"It's much safer for him to turn himself in than have a tactical team go in searching for him. So I am glad that that he did turn himself in," Holt said.

Neighbors told FOX 5 that Harris was an all around wonderful guy and said he and his partner were always friendly. 

What we don't know:

Police have not said what led to the argument inside the home or what may have prompted the suspect to pull out a gun. 

Authorities have also not released information about Williams' relationship to Harris. A possible motive has not been disclosed.

What's next:

They said a celebration of life service for Harris will be held Saturday.