Crime
Shooting Reported at Stone Mountain Park
On January 16, 2025, a man fired multiple shots atop Stone Mountain, prompting a significant police response. Hikers reported hearing approximately six gunshots and witnessing ricochets, leading them to feel targeted. Authorities, including DeKalb County Police, Stone Mountain Police, and Stone Mountain Park Police, swiftly shut down the park to prevent the individual’s escape and initiated a thorough search.
Around 6:30 p.m., officers located a man matching the suspect’s description on the mountain, armed with a semi-automatic pistol. Despite commands to stand down, the individual climbed over a fence, questioned the officer about being shot, and then fatally shot himself. No other injuries were reported. The man’s motive remains unclear, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation is leading the ongoing investigation.
This incident has left frequent visitors to the park shocked, as such events are unexpected in this popular recreational area.
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Crime
Two Dead, Two Injured in Marion Shooting; Authorities Identify One Victim as 16-Year-Old Kaiden Allen
MARION, S.C. — Two individuals were killed and two others wounded in a shooting that occurred Thursday night in Marion, prompting a large multi-agency response, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were dispatched to the scene on Tubello Court following reports of gunfire at approximately 7:21 p.m.
Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered four individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. As of 9:00 p.m., two of the victims were confirmed deceased.
One of the deceased has been identified as 16-year-old Kaiden Allen.
The crime scene remained active late into the night, with updates confirming that it was still being processed as of 10:22 p.m.
A coordinated response involved personnel from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, its K-9 Unit, the Marion and Mullins Police Departments, federal law enforcement agencies, and agents from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
Authorities have not yet released the identities or conditions of the two surviving victims.
Investigators have also not commented on a potential motive or whether any suspects have been identified or taken into custody.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward by calling 843-423-8399. The investigation remains ongoing.