Family Tragedy in DeKalb County: Man Fatally Shot, Nephew in Custody

Family Tragedy in DeKalb County: Man Fatally Shot, Nephew in Custody

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — A tragic incident unfolded Thursday morning in the quiet Ellenwood neighborhood of DeKalb County, leaving a 48-year-old man dead and his own nephew under arrest for his murder. Police have identified the victim as Roderick Crowley and the suspected shooter as his 29-year-old nephew, Michael Crowley.

According to the DeKalb County Police Department, officers responded to a 911 call around 11:22 a.m. on the 4100 block of Loveless Drive, located just off Bouldercrest Road. Upon arrival, first responders discovered Roderick Crowley suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Despite immediate efforts by emergency medical personnel, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The alleged shooter, Michael Crowley, had fled the area but was quickly tracked down by authorities and located hiding in a wooded area near the scene. He was taken into custody without incident.

While officials have not yet released details about what led to the shooting, the case has shocked the community and devastated a family now reeling from a senseless act of violence. Investigators remained on the scene for several hours, securing the area and speaking with neighbors in an effort to piece together the chain of events.

“This is a tragic domestic situation that resulted in a fatal shooting,” said a spokesperson for the DeKalb County Police Department. “While we continue our investigation, we ask the community for patience and understanding as we work to uncover the full circumstances.”

Neighbors described the Crowley family as relatively quiet, though some noted there may have been recent tension between the two men.

“I heard arguing earlier this week, but you never think it would lead to something like this,” said a longtime resident of Loveless Drive. “It’s heartbreaking. That’s family — an uncle and a nephew. How does it come to this?”

The relationship between Roderick and Michael Crowley has become a key point in the investigation, with detectives looking into past disputes or any history of domestic issues. Police have not yet confirmed whether any prior calls to the residence had been made or if either man had a criminal record.

Michael Crowley is currently being held in the DeKalb County Jail, where he awaits formal charges. Authorities say he will likely face charges related to murder and unlawful possession of a firearm, pending the outcome of the investigation.

The death of Roderick Crowley has left his loved ones in mourning. Family members, visibly shaken, gathered outside the home in the hours following the incident, many embracing one another and struggling to process the devastating loss.

“He was a good man,” said one family friend who declined to be identified. “Always looked out for his people. This is something that’s going to hurt for a long time.”

This incident marks yet another instance of domestic violence turning deadly, highlighting the ongoing concerns surrounding gun access and unresolved family conflict. Community advocates in DeKalb County have emphasized the importance of intervention and mental health support in preventing such tragedies.

As detectives continue their work, authorities are urging anyone who may have seen or heard anything related to the incident to come forward. Surveillance footage from neighboring homes is also being reviewed.

Further details about what led to the shooting are expected to emerge in the coming days as the investigation progresses. For now, the community of Ellenwood is left stunned and grieving over a family torn apart by gun violence.