Man found shot, killed in SUV outside DeKalb shopping center

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.

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.

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