Suspected Serial Killer Indicted in Decatur, Stone Mountain Murders

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By Justin Ove

Photo of Aeman Presley courtesy of the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office

A man who allegedly shot and killed a Smyrna hair stylist in downtown Decatur late last year has been indicted for her murder, the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office announced Friday.

Aeman Presley, 34, was indicted by a DeKalb County grand jury on charges of malice murder, felony murder, armed robbery and aggravated assault for the murder of Karen Pearce, 44.

Pearce was shot and killed in the 100 block of East Ponce de Leon Avenue about 10:55 p.m. on Dec. 6. Witnesses found Pearce laying on the ground as they left a parking area behind One Decatur Town Center. The indictment claims that Presley took Pearce’s wallet after he killed her.

Apart from the murder of Pearce, Presley was also indicted for the murder of Calvin Gholston, who was shot in the head and torso at the Spring Mill Shopping Center in Stone Mountain on Sept. 27. Presley was indicted on malice murder, felony murder, and aggravated assault charges for Gholston’s killing.

“These are two very senseless acts of violence that ended in the tragic loss of two lives,” said DeKalb County District Attorney Robert James in a statement.

Atlanta police have charged Presley with the murders of two sleeping homeless men in their jurisdiction, as well; Dorian Jenkins and Tommy “Can Man” Mims were murdered on Nov. 23 and Nov. 26, respectively.

Presley was arrested by undercover MARTA police when he allegedly tried to ride without paying a fare on Dec. 11. He remains behind bars at the Fulton County jail facing two charges of murder and one charge each of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, altering or selling tokens, transfers, or transaction cards, willful obstruction of a law enforcement officer, and additional charges filed by DeKalb police.

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