In the early hours of August 14, 2020, 35-year-old Michael Heard was found dead in his Atlanta, Georgia apartment. A cousin discovered his body in his bedroom at the Kings Glen Apartments on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, the victim of a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Atlanta Police Department officers responded to the scene around 12:15 a.m. after receiving a report of a person shot.
The investigation into the death of the male, a Lithonia resident, was launched by the Atlanta Police Homicide Unit. Detectives at the scene began to piece together the events that led to the tragic incident. Based on evidence found at the apartment, investigators believe that the person responsible for Heard's death was not a stranger to him. Detective Jarion Shephard stated that the circumstances suggested Heard was comfortable with his killer, indicating the perpetrator was likely an acquaintance. The motive for the shooting has not been publicly released, nor have details about how many individuals may have been involved.
In the months and year following the shooting, Michael Heard's family has continued to plead for answers and justice. His mother, Marvaleen James, has spoken publicly about the unbearable weight of her son's unsolved murder, expressing her deep grief and the pain of no longer being able to speak with her son, with whom she shared frequent conversations. The family has urged anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward to assist the police.
As of the latest available reports, no arrests have been made in connection with the murder of Michael Heard. The case remains an open and active investigation. The Atlanta Police Department and Crime Stoppers have offered a reward of up to $2,000 for any information that leads to the arrest and indictment of a suspect. Authorities continue to ask for the public's help in solving this crime and bringing closure to a grieving family.
