Suspect in Lilburn driveway killing out of jail

The Gwinnett County man charged with murder for allegedly shooting and killing a 22-year-old was released from jail Wednesday afternoon.

Phillip Walker Sailors, 69, of Lilburn, was released after posting $11,200 bond, according to Gwinnett County jail records. Sailors was arrested Sunday afternoon and charged with murder in the death of Rodrigo Diaz of Duluth.

Friends of Diaz said he pulled into the driveway of a Hillcrest Drive home Saturday night, believing it was a friend’s home. Sailors allegedly came out of the home with a gun and fired a shot that struck Diaz in the head. Diaz died early Sunday following surgery at Gwinnett Medical Center.

Sailors believed someone was attempting to break into his house and feared for his life, his attorney has said. Sailors, a Vietnam veteran and avid church volunteer, has no prior criminal history.

About the Author

Atlanta leaders eye trails as part of solution to city’s traffic woes

The 535-mile expansion plan, known as Trails ATL, aims to make the city more walkable, bringing 10-minute access to trails for 95% of city residents by 2052.

Outlawz rapper Young Noble found dead in Atlanta at age 47

Young Noble, a former member of the Outlawz rap group founded in the 1990s by Tupac Shakur, has died by apparent suicide at the age of 47, according to reports.

Outkast co-founder Big Boi says uncle was victim in June shooting death

Outkast co-founder Antwan “Big Boi” Patton says his uncle was a victim in Atlanta shooting death. Remoin Thomas Patton was killed June 16 after a driver altercation.

The Latest

Credit: AJC

AJC Peachtree Road Race updates: You did it!

Atlanta leaders eye trails as part of solution to city’s traffic woes

Outlawz rapper Young Noble found dead in Atlanta at age 47

Featured

Credit: TNS

Amid UPS struggles, shipper makes first-ever plans to offer buyouts to drivers

UPS said in a written statement it is navigating “an unprecedented business landscape.”

Kneeling man impaled by giant straw? Towering mural leaves public mystified.

A towering mural on the side of the Connally Hotel has mystified Atlanta since 2011. Who is the kneeling man, and what's piercing him? Is it a beam of light? A drinking straw?

OPINION

I just graduated college. Will I be able to buy a house like my parents did?

A recent college grad asks: Am I going to be able to buy a home like my parents did less than 30 years ago?