Uncle accused of stabbing 14-year-old niece, police say

The man accused of stabbing to death a 14-year-old in her Decatur apartment was the girl’s uncle, police said Tuesday.

Shykia Ward-Reese, who attended Renfroe Middle School, and her mother’s boyfriend, Manuel De Jesus Franco, were both killed Sunday morning, according to police. Franco was 35.

On Monday, investigators located the suspect, Royce Alex Stewart, and the car he allegedly stole from the Trinity Walk apartments after the stabbings. He was found in southeast DeKalb County.

The shooting happened early Tuesday morning.

Stewart and the slain teenager’s mother are siblings, police said Tuesday.

Investigators have not released details about a possible motive.

About the Author

‘Another win for Brian Steel’: Atlanta attorneys react to Diddy trial

Sheriff showdown: Georgia lawmen’s lawsuits latest salvo in budget fight

27-year-old drowns in Lake Lanier amid birthday celebration

Featured

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC

AJC ON CAMPUS

Georgia joins five Southern states to form new accreditation agency

In this edition of the AJC On Campus, Georgia is joining a movement to shake up the accreditation system that has long been the model for American higher education.

14 injured in separate boat explosions on Lake Lanier, Lake Nottely on July 4th

Flames erupted from two boats, one on Lake Lanier and another on Lake Nottely, during the Fourth of July holiday, officials said.

Atlanta leaders eye trails as part of solution to city’s traffic woes

The 535-mile expansion plan, known as Trails ATL, aims to make the city more walkable, bringing 10-minute access to trails for 95% of city residents by 2052.

News