DeKalb DA employee critically hurt by celebratory gunfire, 2 arrested
(L) Steven Joseph (R) Odane Lynch (Credit: DeKalb County Sheriff's Office)
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - A DeKalb County District Attorney's Office employee remains hospitalized after investigators say she was struck by a stray bullet while inside her Lithonia home during suspected celebratory gunfire on the Fourth of July.
What we know:
DeKalb County police responded to the 7500 block of Clear Creek Drive around 11:36 p.m. Saturday after receiving reports of a shooting.
When officers arrived, they found Lakesha Davis suffering from a gunshot wound. She was taken to a nearby hospital in critical but stable condition.
Investigators believe Davis was inside her home when a bullet fired from outside during what police described as celebratory gunfire entered the residence and struck her.
Lakesha Davis. Courtesy of DeKalb County District Attorney's Office
Police arrested Steven Joseph, 34, charging him with aggravated assault and first-degree criminal damage to property. A second suspect, Odane Lynch, 42, was charged with reckless conduct and discharging a firearm near a public highway or street.
What they're saying:
On Monday, DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston confirmed Davis is a member of her office and said she has asked the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia to appoint a conflict prosecutor to handle the case.
"On July 4, one of our dedicated employees, Lakesha Davis, was inside her own home when she was critically injured by what police believe was celebratory gunfire in her Lithonia neighborhood," Boston said in a statement.
Boston thanked the DeKalb County Police Department for its investigation and the quick arrests.
"I have met with Lakesha and her family members to offer our support," Boston said. "At this time, the Davis family respectfully asks for privacy while she recovers. We hope you will join us as we keep Lakesha and her loved ones in our prayers."
What's next:
The investigation remains ongoing.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from the DeKalb County Police Department. The original story was updated on Monday after FOX 5 Atlanta received a statement and photos from the DeKalb County DA Sherry Boston.