A former U.S. Navy serviceman facing charges in a deadly shooting spree that terrorized the Atlanta area has died while in custody, jail officials announced Wednesday.
Olaolukitan Adon Abel, 26, was discovered unresponsive in his jail cell Tuesday evening, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office reported. Despite emergency medical efforts to revive the military veteran, he was declared dead at the facility.
While the exact cause of Abel’s death remains under investigation, authorities do not believe criminal activity was involved, according to sheriff’s office officials. An internal investigation is now underway.
Abel faced charges in connection with the fatal shootings of Prianna Weathers, 31, and Lauren Bullis, 40, a Department of Homeland Security auditor who was walking her dog when she was killed. Prosecutors were also preparing to file an additional murder charge related to Tony Mathews, 49, who succumbed to his injuries on Sunday after being wounded in the violence.
Investigators have not revealed what may have motivated the deadly attacks. Law enforcement officials indicated they believe at least one victim was chosen randomly, and it remains unknown whether Abel had any prior connection to those he allegedly targeted.
People who shared living space with Abel told reporters that he had engaged in a heated dispute about air conditioning settings at their residence shortly before the shootings occurred and left the property angrily. The residence housed seven people in separate living units.
Originally from the United Kingdom, Abel obtained American citizenship in 2022 during his military service while stationed near San Diego.
The violent incidents have attracted attention from federal officials, with Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin questioning the decision to grant Abel citizenship during the previous presidential administration. Mullin highlighted Abel’s alleged criminal history, though the timing of those incidents in relation to his citizenship approval remains unclear.
