Body Found In Car Set Ablaze After Violent Weekend In Atlanta

Atlanta authorities are investigating a homicide after firefighters discovered a body in a burning vehicle.

First responders arrived at the scene on Sisk Street around 2 a.m. on Monday morning (March 8), according to WSB-TV.

The incident marks one of several violent crimes throughout the city over the weekend, including more than a dozen shootings in neighborhoods, at gas stations and at clubs, the station reported. Local law enforcement officials were called to least nine shootings within 24 hours this week.

One shooting was fatal, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Monday.

That incident happened around 8:40 p.m. Sunday (March 7), when police responded to the scene on Oak Street, according to the Atlanta Police Department.

Officers found two victims at the scene. One of them died of a gunshot wound and the other was wounded but “in stable condition.” The survivor told police that the pair aimed to meet someone in the area, but when the first victim got out of the car, they were met with gunfire, a release states.

“The surviving victim drove away and sought help,” according to police. “The investigation is continuing.”

The violent crimes come as Atlanta authorities committed to ramping up police presence during the NBA All-Star weekend in Atlanta. The weekend reportedly drew crowds even though the NBA did not host officially-sanctioned events and city officials discouraged celebrations and gatherings because of the pandemic.

Atlanta Police Department officials also spoke out against gun violence ahead of All-Star weekend:

“We want everyone to think about safety first this weekend and every weekend. If you have a dispute with a friend or acquaintance, agree to disagree and walk away. Live to talk and laugh another day. Gun violence is not the answer. We want you to make it back home to your family when this weekend is over.”

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