Paralegal's wife asks for public's help in finding killer

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - Calling her loss “staggering,” the wife of a paralegal murdered in the basement of a DeKalb County home asked for the public’s help Monday to find the killer.

Joanna Steed died last Wednesday night, the victim of an apparent drive-by shooting as she played her bass guitar during band practice.

Steed’s wife issued a statement Monday about her loss, saying “Jonah was magic to everyone that knew her. She filled our lives with such goodness and light.”

She described the enormity of her loss as “staggering.”

“I am asking for help from the public in finding those responsible for this senseless and malicious act," Steed's wife wrote. "While there is nothing that can make up for or take away the pain of losing Jonah, finding those responsible may provide some closure to all of those who loved her.”

According to DeKalb County Police, Steed was in the basement of a home on Columbia Drive when at least two people in a car pulled up and opened fire. Friends said Steed was an avid musician and she was practicing with her band when the shots rang out. 

"She loved all genres of music. She loved playing music, going to listen to music. She just enjoyed it," said Melody Durrenburger, who has known Steed since college. The two used to play music together. 

"I lost one of my best friends in the world," Durrenbuger added.  "She was just the kindest, most compassionate person that I know.  We all, you know, have a huge hole in our heart because of this and we just want justice.  We don't want this to happen to anyone else."  

Friends plan to raise money so that they can offer a reward for information in the case.

A celebration of life and sending forth for Steed will be held Saturday, Sept. 15, at 11 a.m.

Family and friends will gather at Virginia Highland Church, 743 Virginia Avenue N.E., Atlanta, with a reception to follow.

Friends also have organized a GoFundMe page as a memorial to Steed’s memory.