In the early hours of May 12, 2021, a tragic shooting unfolded at the Preston Hills at Mill Creek apartment complex in Buford, Georgia, claiming the life of 27-year-old Deniss Becerra. Becerra was one of four adults who were shot inside an apartment in the gated community. When Gwinnett County police responded to a 'person shot' call shortly before 2:30 a.m., they discovered a horrific scene.
Inside the apartment, officers found 24-year-old Edgar J. Cruz-Fuentes deceased in the kitchen from gunshot wounds. Deniss Becerra, along with two other victims, 20-year-old Ronald R. Cruz-Fuentes and 20-year-old Lillian Kayarath, were rushed to a local hospital. Tragically, Deniss Becerra later succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. Ronald R. Cruz-Fuentes was listed in critical condition, while Lillian Kayarath was treated for her injuries and subsequently released.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, investigators from the Gwinnett County Police Department worked to piece together the events that led to the violence. However, a motive for the shooting was not immediately clear, and authorities did not release any description of a suspect or suspects. Law enforcement officials urged anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward and contact them or Atlanta Crime Stoppers, offering the possibility of a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in the case. The case, identified by the number 21-036618, left a community searching for answers and justice for the victims. As of the latest available reports, there has been no public announcement regarding any arrests made or suspects identified in the ongoing investigation.
