Authorities have captured a man believed to be responsible for a deadly shooting Tuesday night at a Cartersville motel.

Tavares Atwell, 35, of Cartersville, was arrested Wednesday afternoon in Doraville following a manhunt, police said.  He’s charged with murder in the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Julia Malachi at the Parkway North motel on Joe Frank Harris Parkway, authorities said.

Police have not released any additional details about the case or said what may have led to the shooting.

He was taken into custody without incident Wednesday and charged with malice malice under the Family Violence Act, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

— Please return to AJC.com for updates.

In other news: 

23-year-old Anitra Gunn vanished Friday in a neighborhood north of the city of Fort Valley.

About the Authors

Featured

Braves first baseman Matt Olson (left) is greeted by Ronald Acuña Jr. after batting during the MLB Home Run Derby as part of the All-Star Game festivities on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC