Sam Norman Sr. was a beloved husband and father, an avid outdoorsman and “a devoted family man,” killed in a moment of violence that police and loved ones alike deride as “senseless.”

“He leaves behind a devastated family who continues to try to grieve and learn a new normal without him in our lives,” the father of four’s family said in a Wednesday statement to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Norman, 51, of Dallas, died in DeKalb County on March 3 while trying to buy a drone using the LetGo buying and trading app. It happened on Indian Manor Drive in unincorporated Stone Mountain.

Cicero Smith, 18, and a 15-year-old whose identity hasn't been released, have been arrested and charged with murder, police said.

According to arrest warrants, Smith allegedly shot Norman in the chest and Norman then chased Smith and the other teen in his truck.

Cicero Smith
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Norman, who worked as a forklift operator at Inmark Packaging in Austell, died behind the wheel, his truck in the road.

Police said they found parts of the drone in a home associated with the suspects.

“We are grateful to Dekalb County police for working extremely hard to investigate this senseless crime and capture these two suspects,” the family statement said. “Our family will continue to work with the authorities throughout this process.”

Police are following up on several leads and are working with the app to pursue the suspects.

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