Early Morning Attacks in Atlanta Leave 2 Dead, DHS Worker Among Victims

A 26-year-old man has been charged in a series of deadly attacks across the suburbs of Atlanta that left two people dead and one in critical condition. Authorities say the violence unfolded early on April 13 in three different locations.

The suspect, identified as Olaolukitan Adon Abel, is accused of killing two women, including a federal employee, and shooting a man who remains in critical condition. Officials said he faces charges including murder, aggravated assault, and firearms offenses.

Police said the first attack happened around 1 a.m. near a restaurant in Decatur. A woman was found with gunshot wounds and later died at a hospital. Her name has not been released.

About 12 miles away in Brookhaven, a 49-year-old man experiencing homelessness was shot several times while sleeping outside a grocery store. He survived but remains in the hospital in critical condition.

Hours later, around 7 a.m., Lauren Bullis was found dead in Panthersville. She had been walking her dog when she was attacked. Authorities said she suffered both gunshot and stab wounds, which caused her death at the scene.

Investigators later linked the three incidents and believe that at least one of the victims was chosen randomly.

Lauren Bullis worked for the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. Colleagues and family remembered her as a kind and intelligent person. In a statement, her family said she “loved” running, reading and traveling. “Her warmth and generosity touched everyone around her,” they wrote.

A fellow auditor described her as the “nicest, sweetest, and most encouraging person” he has ever met.

The case has also drawn attention from federal officials. Markwayne Mullin called the attacks “acts of pure evil.” He also raised concerns about the suspect’s past and how he obtained U.S. citizenship in 2022.

Military records show that Olaolukitan Adon Abel served in the Navy and was based in California. He received an award for strong performance during his service. However, court records show he pleaded guilty in October 2024 to assaulting police officers and another person.

Authorities also referenced a past case in Georgia involving misdemeanor se--al battery charges tied to a person with the same name and date of birth. Officials have not confirmed whether the case is connected to the suspect.

It is not yet clear whether any criminal history existed before he became a U.S. citizen. U.S. law generally bars citizenship for individuals convicted of serious violent crimes.

Police said the investigation is ongoing.