Crime & Public Safety
Crime & Public Safety

Man found shot, killed in SUV outside DeKalb shopping center

DeKalb County police investigate a fatal shooting Wednesday morning in the parking lot of the Salem Crossing plaza on Panola Road.
DeKalb County police investigate a fatal shooting Wednesday morning in the parking lot of the Salem Crossing plaza on Panola Road.
By Chelsea Prince
March 18, 2020

Police are investigating after a man was found dead in a vehicle outside a DeKalb County shopping center Wednesday morning.

The man, identified by police as 24-year-old Jai Hayes, was discovered about 4:30 a.m. inside a Honda Element in the parking lot of the Salem Crossing plaza. The shopping center at the corner of Panola and Salem roads includes Food Depot and discount stores.

The 24-year-old victim was found inside a gray Honda Element parked near the entrance to the shopping center. The vehicle was towed away Wednesday morning.

Credit: JOHN SPINK / JSPINK@AJC.COM

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Credit: JOHN SPINK / JSPINK@AJC.COM

According to police, investigators with the DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene and determined Hayes died from a gunshot wound.

The Honda was towed away from the shopping center about 8:45 a.m. Wednesday.

“Suspects have not been identified and the investigation is ongoing,” police spokeswoman Michaela Vincent said in a statement.

— Please return to AJC.com for updates.

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Chelsea Prince is reporter and coach on the breaking news team.

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