DECATUR, GA – Detectives in DeKalb County are intensifying their search for two individuals responsible for a heinous crime that claimed the life of a 45-year-old father. The victim, Corey McDonald, was found dead in the backseat of his own car, which had been set ablaze by the assailants. The shocking incident unfolded on October 6th, prompting a 911 call from a motorist on Interstate 20 who had witnessed the perpetrators, both wearing ski masks, ignite the vehicle before fleeing on foot.
First responders, including firefighters, swiftly arrived at the scene, located beneath the Gresham Road overpass, to extinguish the flames engulfing the dark blue Audi. Tragically, within the charred remains of the vehicle, they discovered the lifeless body of Corey McDonald.
Torestha Hardile, McDonald’s grief-stricken mother, lamented the loss of her son, saying, “I want to know who killed my son. That’s what I want to know. I miss him so much. I miss my son so much.” She further revealed that her son’s wallet and phone were missing, leaving behind a heartbreaking mystery.
While DeKalb police have confirmed that their investigation remains ongoing, they have not disclosed whether they have any specific suspects in mind. McDonald’s family shared that he leaves behind two adult children and had been working as a forklift operator during the day, nurturing aspirations of becoming an author.
Kelvin Brawley Jr., McDonald’s brother, expressed his yearning for answers, saying, “I do want to know why. I do want to know the reason. I never had this feeling before where it’s this close to home.” In their plea for justice, McDonald’s family urged anyone with information related to the case to contact Atlanta Crime Stoppers.