Manhunt Underway in DeKalb County After Double Homicide Claims Lives of Mother and Child
DeKalb County, Georgia – June 13, 2025 — A community is in mourning and authorities are in high alert following a horrific act of violence that claimed the lives of a mother and her 7-year-old daughter in what investigators are calling a calculated and brutal double homicide. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with local and state law enforcement agencies, has launched an intensive manhunt for the suspected killer, identified as 48-year-old William Lewis.
Horrific Discovery at Columbia Drive Apartment
Officers from the DeKalb County Police Department were dispatched to the Forest at Columbia Apartments, located in the 2500 block of Columbia Drive, at approximately 2:48 p.m. Friday after a 911 caller reported gunshots and screams coming from one of the units. Upon arrival, responding officers encountered a devastating scene inside the apartment.
29-year-old Tomika Pullins and her young daughter Dior Scott, both suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, were found unresponsive. Emergency medical personnel who arrived shortly thereafter pronounced both victims dead at the scene. According to authorities, the attack was swift, targeted, and left little chance for the victims to survive.
Suspect Identified – William Lewis
The primary suspect in the double homicide is William Lewis, a 48-year-old man who, according to initial witness reports, shares a personal—though undisclosed—relationship with the victims. Witnesses told police that Lewis had arrived at the apartment complex earlier in the afternoon and appeared agitated, pacing outside the unit and attempting to force his way inside.
When he was unsuccessful in gaining access through the front door, Lewis reportedly broke a window and began firing indiscriminately into the home. Investigators believe that both Tomika and Dior were inside the living room when the gunfire erupted. Evidence suggests they had little to no time to react or seek shelter.
After the shooting, Lewis was seen fleeing the complex on foot. Police have not ruled out the possibility that he had a vehicle staged nearby. As of Friday night, Lewis remains at large and is considered armed and extremely dangerous.
Community in Shock and Grief
The Forest at Columbia community has been left traumatized by the sudden and violent deaths of two of their own. Neighbors gathered in small groups outside the police perimeter Friday evening, many in tears and struggling to process the tragedy. Tomika Pullins was remembered as a gentle, hardworking mother who was deeply devoted to her daughter. Dior, described by many as an “angel,” brought joy and energy to everyone she encountered.
“She was always laughing,” said a neighbor who often saw Dior playing outside. “Always happy, always full of life. This is evil. Pure evil.”
Residents also reported that they had never seen Lewis before and were unaware of any recent conflict between him and Tomika. However, several sources close to the investigation have indicated that there may have been a history of domestic tension or violence connected to Lewis, though no official details have been released.
Manhunt Underway – Public Urged to Remain Vigilant
The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and federal agencies, has mobilized all available resources in the search for Lewis. A BOLO (Be On the Lookout) alert has been issued, and investigators are canvassing nearby areas, reviewing surveillance footage, and conducting interviews with known associates of the suspect.
Lewis is described as:
- Black Male
- 48 years old
- Approximately 6 feet tall
- Medium build
- Last seen wearing a gray hoodie and black pants
He may be traveling on foot or could have accessed a vehicle after fleeing the scene. Investigators have not ruled out the possibility that he may attempt to leave the county or even the state.
Reward and Tip Line Activated
The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone who has seen William Lewis or knows of his whereabouts to contact authorities immediately. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta by calling 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visiting their website.
A cash reward may be available for information leading to Lewis’s capture and arrest.
An Unbearable Loss
As candles, flowers, and stuffed animals accumulate outside the apartment unit where the tragedy occurred, family members and friends are left to mourn a devastating loss. A GoFundMe page has reportedly been set up to help the family with funeral costs and to honor the memories of Tomika and Dior.
“She was doing her best,” said a family friend. “She worked hard, she loved hard, and she lived for that little girl. And now, in a matter of seconds, both their lives are gone.”
With a dangerous suspect on the run and a grieving community demanding justice, the focus remains on bringing William Lewis to justice and honoring the lives so brutally taken.
Jay Skelton
Independent Crime Journalist
Covering the Uncovered and the Undercovered
If you have any information that can help police locate William Lewis, please call 911 or submit an anonymous tip to 404-577-TIPS (8477). Do not approach the suspect—he is considered armed and dangerous.