In a quiet neighborhood in Decatur, Georgia, the promise of a new year and a new life was tragically cut short. On the morning of December 14, 2024, 23-year-old Leviticus Burns was found shot to death inside a home on Brandberry Drive. He was not the only victim of the violence that erupted during a gathering at the residence. His best friend, a 21-year-old man, was also shot.
The friend was rushed to a local hospital but ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
The news came as a devastating blow to the family of Leviticus Burns, who was on the cusp of fatherhood with his child expected in January. His mother recalled her last conversation with her son, just the day before his death. He had been excited about working on a music video that night. Their final words to each other were 'I love you.' The family's grief was compounded by the way they learned of his death; they were initially told he had been in a car accident, only to later discover the horrifying truth that he had been shot and killed.
DeKalb County Police were called to the scene in the early hours of the morning after receiving reports of a person shot. Neighbors reported hearing gunshots and seeing several cars leaving the property around the time of the incident. The homeowner of the rental property also received a call around 2 a.m. from someone at the gathering who expressed feeling unsafe.
Despite the ongoing investigation by the DeKalb County Police Department, no suspects have been publicly identified, and no arrests have been announced in connection with the double homicide. The authorities have not released any information regarding a possible motive for the shooting. The loss of the two young men has left their families and community awaiting answers and hoping for justice.
