‘You didn’t gain anything’: DeKalb family pleads for help finding man’s killer

Ashley Russell (far left) is asking the public for help in identifying the man (far right) accused of shooting and killing her father, Frankie Russell (left).

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

Ashley Russell (far left) is asking the public for help in identifying the man (far right) accused of shooting and killing her father, Frankie Russell (left).

A DeKalb County family is asking for help after a man was shot in the head and killed in his dining room earlier this month.

DeKalb police have been searching for a suspect since 48-year-old Frankie “Tyrone” Russell was found dead Oct. 5 about 9 p.m. in his house off Deer Springs Drive.

He did coding and medical billing at Emory University Hospital for 14 years and would’ve turned 49 this past Monday, Channel 2 Action News reported.

“My daddy was my hero. He was superman. He was my best friend,” Ashley Russell told Channel 2 while holding back tears. “I talked to him every single day.”

Ashley Russell (left) said her father, Frankie Russell, was her best friend.

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

icon to expand image

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

Surveillance cameras were set up inside and outside the home, but some were stolen during the incident, DeKalb police said. However, not all of the cameras were stolen, meaning police have some photos of the suspect, who may have been an acquaintance of the victim.

“You thought you were gonna gain something by taking my father’s life when really you didn’t gain anything,” Ashley Russell said. “You took my father’s life over absolutely nothing.”

Detective Doronte Evans said Frankie Russell and the man seen on camera spent about an hour in the home before the deadly shooting.

These are other photos of the suspect, according to DeKalb County police.

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

icon to expand image

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

“It appears the suspect did go through the bedroom looking for some items,” Evans told the news station.

When the man left the home, he triggered a garage door alarm, but he was gone by the time officers arrived, according to a police incident report. The victim was found lying in a pool of blood “with his shorts off and (them) lying on top of him,” the report said.

Evans said the suspect might go by the nickname “Black.” Detectives are asking the public for help identifying and finding him.

Anyone with information is asked to contact CrimeStoppers at 404-577-8477 or online at www.StopCrimeATL.com. Tips can be sent anonymously and information that leads to an arrest and indictment can earn tipsters up to $2,000.

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