On a summer evening in South Fulton, Georgia, a dispute turned fatal, claiming the life of 18-year-old Ke'Sean Palmer. The young African-American man was found with a gunshot wound on Sunday, August 16, 2020, near building 800 of the Orchard Springs Apartments on Oakley Industrial Boulevard. Emergency services transported Palmer to a local hospital, but his injuries proved to be fatal.
Investigators began to piece together the events that led to the shooting, learning from witnesses that
a man in a red hoodie had been seen firing a weapon at the scene. Homicide detectives diligently followed leads, and their investigation soon pointed toward a person of interest. They released surveillance images of a man with dreadlocks, wearing a red hoodie and a black fanny pack, seeking the public's help in identifying him. A reward of up to $2,000 was offered for information leading to an arrest and indictment in the case.
Months later, in January 2021, a breakthrough came in the case. South Fulton police announced the arrest of 20-year-old Devonta Hicks in connection with Palmer's death. Authorities stated that the shooting stemmed from an argument between Hicks and Palmer. Investigators had received several tips through Crime Stoppers after releasing surveillance photos of the suspect at a nearby convenience store, which matched the description provided by witnesses. Hicks, an Atlanta resident, was subsequently charged with murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He was taken into custody and held at the Fulton County Jail without bond.
