A 26-year-old man has been charged in a series of violent attacks near Atlanta that left two women dead and a man critically injured, authorities said, prompting scrutiny from federal officials after one victim was identified as a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employee.
Investigators allege that Olaolukitan Adon Abel carried out three separate attacks early Monday across DeKalb County suburbs. He now faces multiple charges, including two counts of malice murder, aggravated assault, and firearms offenses.
One of the victims, Lauren Bullis, worked for the DHS Office of Inspector General. Authorities say she was found with gunshot and stab wounds in Panthersville and died at the scene.
Police say the attacks began around 1 a.m. in the Decatur area, where a woman was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds near a restaurant. She later died at a hospital.
Roughly an hour later, in nearby Brookhaven, a 49-year-old homeless man was shot multiple times while sleeping outside a grocery store. He remains hospitalized in critical condition.
The final and fatal attack occurred just before 7 a.m., more than 10 miles away, when officers responding to a call found Bullis. Investigators later determined the three incidents were connected.
Authorities have indicated at least one victim appeared to have been targeted at random.
Abel was arrested later Monday during a traffic stop in Troup County, near the Alabama border. He waived his initial court appearance Tuesday. His public defender has not commented.
The case drew national attention after Markwayne Mullin, serving as Homeland Security Secretary, issued a statement highlighting the suspect’s background. Mullin noted that Abel, a U.K. native, became a U.S. citizen in 2022, raising questions about his eligibility given his alleged criminal history.
Mullin cited prior offenses, including a sexual battery conviction and a 2024 guilty plea in California for assaulting police officers with a deadly weapon. It remains unclear whether any disqualifying crimes occurred before Abel obtained citizenship, as U.S. law generally bars individuals convicted of serious violent offenses from naturalization.
Military records show Abel enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 2020 and served in a helicopter maritime strike squadron based in Coronado, California. He received recognition for performance but was discharged in September 2024 following his arrest.
Court documents confirm he later pleaded guilty to assaulting two police officers and another individual in California. Separate Georgia court records indicate a person with the same name and birth date pleaded guilty to misdemeanor sexual battery charges in 2024.
Colleagues and family described Bullis as a compassionate professional known for her warmth and generosity. DHS said she served in multiple roles, including auditor and team leader, and was widely respected within the agency.
Friends recalled her love of running, travel, and building connections. “You couldn’t meet her and not be her friend,” one colleague said.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine motive and whether additional charges may follow.
