A Snellville pizza business employee who was reported missing from work Saturday later was found shot to death in unincorporated Stone Mountain, police said.

The man, identifed as Robert Purcell, 40, was found in his car on the Highway 78 westbound exit ramp to Hugh Howell Road, Gwinnett police spokesman Collin Flynn said. The victim’s gunshot wound did not appear to be self-inflicted.

Police initially responded to a missing-person call, Flynn said. Employees of the Marco’s Pizza at 3300 Centerville Highway told police that the man and his car, which normally was parked in the back, were missing. Police found some of the victim’s possessions in the parking lot behind the business.

Robbery may be the motive, Flynn said. Also, Purcell was homeless and living out of the vehicle he was found in.

Anyone with information about this incident can call 770-513-5300. Also, tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligibe for a reward of up to $2,000 by calling Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477.

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Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

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