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Douglas County teens with fatal gunshot wounds found in car in middle of road

By and FOX 5 Atlanta Digital Team
Updated  October 17, 2024 6:34pm EDT
Douglas County
FOX 5 Atlanta

Teen found shot to death in car in Douglas County

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the deaths of 17-year-old Beatriz Vega and 19-year-old Roberto Deleon, who were found critically injured in a vehicle on Oct. 12.

The Brief

    • A double homicide involving 17-year-old Beatriz Vega and 19-year-old Roberto Deleon has deeply affected the Douglas County community.
    • Responding to an iPhone collision alert, deputies found no crash but discovered Vega and Deleon shot in a car on West Stewart Mill Road.
    • The incident is being actively investigated as a homicide.
    • Despite the ongoing investigation, detectives have not disclosed if they are pursuing a suspect, identified a shooter, or established a motive.
    • The Douglas County Criminal Investigations Division is appealing to the public for information, directing tips to lead investigator Michael Aziz.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga. - The deaths of 17-year-old Beatriz Vega and 19-year-old Roberto Deleon continue to send shockwaves through the Douglas County community.  

According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to 3253 West Stewart Mill Road around 3:30 a.m. Oct. 12 after getting an alert from an iPhone reporting the user had been in a collision. Instead, officials discovered the car in the middle of the road and no signs of a crash. Vega and Deleon were found in the front seats of the car. Both appeared to have been shot.  

Both were transported to a local hospital but later died. 

Their deaths have left more questions than answers. 

FOX 5 obtained a copy of the incident report which lists the case as an active homicide investigation.

Roberto Deleon and Beatriz Vega

Roberto Deleon and Beatriz Vega  (Supplied)

Detectives say they are tracking leads and evaluating evidence to get a better idea of the circumstances surrounding the shooting, but investigators won't say if they are actively searching for a suspect in the case or have identified a shooter or possible motive. 

The sheriff's office has now asked for the public's help, but won't comment publicly on the case. 

FOX 5 spoke with Vega's soccer coach by phone. Hugo Pineda is a close family friend. He said the teen was a student at Pebble Brook High School in Cobb County and was loved by many. 

"She was sweet, smart, very nice with everybody. She was responsible," Pineda told FOX 5's Deidra Dukes. "She was everything for her family, and me too, as a coach." 

GoFundMe accounts have been set up for both Vega and Deleon. 

Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the lead investigator, Michael Aziz, at 770-920-3923 or via email at maziz@sheriff.douglas.ga.us. 

The Source

  • The Douglas County Sheriff's Office along with the GofundMe accounts for 17-year-old Beatriz Vega and 19-year-old Roberto Deleon contributed to this original FOX 5 Atlanta report.