Initially, the death of Gavin McKenzie at a hotel off Memorial Drive in DeKalb County was thought to have been due to a beating. A warrant released Wednesday, however, says that he died from asphyxiation.

Daryl Shonell Miller told police he put his weight, listed as 236 pounds, on the 35-year-old’s chest to make him stop fighting last Thursday, the document says.

Miller, 40, said the violence started when the victim punched him in the face. Tnvestigators say security camera footage shows Miller kicking McKenzie before the fight.

READ: Ex-DeKalb jailer going to prison for sexual relationship with inmate

READ: 5 things to know about the North DeKalb Mall demolition/rebuild plans

READ: Men abducted, molested 12-year-old in DeKalb, indictment says

By the time Miller laid on McKenzie, they were in a breezeway outside a room.

Afterward, police said, Miller fled the hotel and hopped on a bus. Investigators shared footage with the media, and he was identified and arrested.

The warrant doesn’t reveal if police know how the victim and suspect knew each other or what disagreement led to the fight.

Miller remains in the county jail.

Like DeKalb County News Now on Facebook | Follow on Twitter

In other news:

Channel 2's Audrey Washington reports.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Mayor Andre Dickens speaks at his election day watch party at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Atlanta on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, after winning a second term. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

Featured

Jo'wan Bellamy taught in the GNETS program for 17 years and recently transferred to Atlanta’s new behavioral program at Crawford Long Middle School. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com