In the early hours of Friday, a quiet townhome community on Chatfield Drive in unincorporated DeKalb County was ripped apart by a tragedy that police now say was a double murder, not the murder-suicide it first appeared to be. What began as a perplexing and heartbreaking scene has since turned into a full criminal investigation, with 41-year-old Roland Sukoo facing two counts of malice murder in the deaths of a woman and a young girl.
Officers arrived at the Golden Gate Luxury Townhomes around 1:15 a.m. after a 911 call about a shooting. Inside the residence, they found a woman in her 30s and a girl believed to be around 10 or older, both fatally shot. A man, later identified as Sukoo, was also found wounded and was quickly transported to a hospital with serious injuries. In the initial chaos, investigators thought the woman had shot the girl, injured the man, and then taken her own life.
By Friday night, however, detectives had shifted their understanding of the grim scene. After reviewing forensic evidence, witness statements, and the layout of the shooting, DeKalb County Police publicly reclassified the incident as a double murder. Police say Sukoo, who survived his injuries, is now the prime suspect and has been formally charged with two counts of malice murder. He remains hospitalized and will be transferred to the DeKalb County Jail once cleared by medical staff.
Investigators have not released the identities of the victims, though neighbors described an eerie stillness that swept through the usually calm neighborhood after the early-morning gunfire. One resident said they couldn’t fathom how something like this could happen on their street, calling the violence “crazy” while offering prayers for the families affected.
Police have confirmed that the shooting stemmed from a domestic situation, though they haven’t clarified how the individuals were connected. It’s unclear whether they were family members, close friends, or otherwise involved, and authorities have said that part of the investigation is still unfolding.
For now, detectives are combing evidence and speaking with anyone in the community who might shed light on what sparked the deadly confrontation. DeKalb investigators have a history of methodical follow-ups in domestic violence cases, and local crime experts say early reclassifications like this one — from murder-suicide to homicide — underscore the complexities officers face in chaotic scenes.
As the county processes the shock of the shooting, law enforcement is urging anyone with information to come forward. Cases involving multiple victims and domestic disputes can hinge on small details from witnesses, and even the most private communities often hold crucial pieces of the puzzle.
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