Man shot outside Kroger during DeKalb shooting spree has died
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - A man shot outside a Kroger grocery store during a violent series of attacks across DeKalb County has died, police confirmed.
What we know:
The victim has been identified by the DeKalb County and Brookhaven police departments as 48-year-old Tony Matthews. Investigators say Matthews was one of several victims targeted in what authorities describe as a series of seemingly random attacks carried out by 26-year-old Olaolukitan Adon Abel.
"The loss of Mr. Tony E. Matthews is a tragedy that deeply affects his family and our entire community," said
Chief Brandon Gurley. "The Brookhaven Police Department is committed to conducting a thorough and
professional investigation into this incident. We will continue to work closely with the DeKalb County Police
Department, DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office, and state partners to ensure that all aspects of these
serious crimes are comprehensively investigated and that justice is served."
Olaolukitan Adon Abel is accused in a deadly shooting spree across DeKalb County on April 13, 2026. (Credit: DeKalb County Sheriff's Office)
Police say the attacks initially left two people dead and another critically injured, including 40-year-old Lauren Bullis, a Department of Homeland Security employee who was killed after being shot and stabbed while walking her dog.
Abel was later arrested in Troup County after investigators tracked his vehicle and now faces multiple charges, including malice murder and aggravated assault.
Matthews died on April 19, according to police.
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What we don't know:
Authorities say the motive remains unclear as the investigation continues.
What you can do:
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Brookhaven Police Department at 404-637-0600 or Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or www.crimestoppersatlanta.org. Callers may remain anonymous