Shooting suspect in Georgia murder of DHS staffer found dead in jail

The man accused of killing a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employee was found dead in jail on Tuesday evening.

26-year-old Olaolukitan Adon Abel was discovered unresponsive at the DeKalb County Jail at approximately 6:48 pm. Staff alerted medical personnel, who attempted life-saving measures, but Abel was pronounced dead at 7:17 pm. His death occurred around the same time a vigil was being held for one of the victims he is accused of killing.

Abel, who was born in the United Kingdom and later became a naturalized US citizen in 2022, has been charged in connection with a series of violent attacks that included the killing of DHS employee Lauren Bullis on April 13. Bullis was shot and stabbed while walking her dog.

Bullis served in multiple roles at the DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG), including as an Auditor in the Office of Audits and as a Team Leader in the Office of Innovation.

“In every role she held, Lauren exemplified dedication to the OIG mission. Lauren approached her work with integrity, thoughtfulness, and a commitment to excellence that strengthened our organization and the communities we serve,” DHS said. 

Abel was also accused of shooting two other individuals, identified as 48-year-old Tony Matthews, who was outside a grocery store, and 31-year-old Prianna Weathers.

The cause of Abel’s death remains unknown and is under investigation by the DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s Office.

"In accordance with agency policy, a standard internal review has been initiated to examine the circumstances surrounding this incident," Sheriff Melody Maddox’s office said in a statement. Officials said there is “no indication of criminal activity or foul play.’

According to DHS, Abel had a criminal record that included sexual battery, battery against a police officer, obstruction, assault with a deadly weapon, and vandalism.