The shooting deaths of two homeless men in Atlanta this week has local authorities asking for any evidence that could be used to identify the murderer.
Tommy Mims, also known as “Can Man,” was found partially wrapped in a blanket and shot dead Wednesday morning on White Hall Street near Northside Drive. On Sunday, a homeless man in his mid-40s was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds in a small park at the intersection of Courtland Street and Ralph McGill Boulevard.
An Atlanta Police Department spokesman said investigators believe both shootings happened late at night and while the victims were asleep.
“We’re very concerned about the similarities,” said Capt. Paul Guerrucci, commander of the APD Homicide Unit. “It appears that we have somebody who is targeting people that are sleeping at night.”
The department is working with local homeless organizations and the media to spread the word and encourage homeless individuals to travel in pairs. Police are also offering up to a $2,000 reward for information concerning the murder of Mims.
“Right now, the buddy system is key amongst our homeless brothers and sisters. We want to make sure they look out for each other,” Investigator David Quinn said. “We want people to call in if anyone is missing.”
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