Third juvenile accused in killing MARTA driver over fare surrenders to police
DECATUR, Ga. - The third juvenile wanted in connection with the shooting death of MARTA bus operator Leroy Ramos over a $2.50 fare surrendered to DeKalb County police on Monday evening.
Two of the juveniles were taken into custody on Friday, immediately after the deadly confrontation at the bus loop at the Decatur MARTA station.
Investigators believe this suspect is the actual shooter.
Because of their age, the names of all three suspects are being withheld.
They are being charged as adults.
This latest development comes as the other two juveniles, who were arrested, appeared in court.
MARTA bus driver murder suspects appear in court
The two juveniles accused of killing a MARTA driver over bus fare will remain in police custody following their first appearance on Monday afternoon.
At the hearing, the two unnamed juveniles were read their charges: aggravated assault and murder. Their case was bound over to DeKalb County Superior Court, which will determine if the pair will be granted bond.
Those charges stem from a shooting on Friday afternoon at the Swanton Way bus circle in the heart of Decatur.
According to investigators, a dispute over a fare evasion ended with a shooting. The driver, 47-year-old Leroy Ramos, was shot three times. He died from his injuries while being transported to the hospital.
Officers arrested the two juveniles and are still searching for a third. While officials have not shared details about the remaining suspect, they told FOX 5 that they hope to take the person into custody soon.
"We have very accurate and strong video evidence, so we feel like we’ll be able to close this case pretty quickly," Kreher stated.
If you have any information that could help with the investigation, contact MARTA police or Decatur authorities.
MARTA driver killed just months after starting job
Leroy Ramos was shot and killed while driving a MARTA bus in Decatur. Officials say the juvenile suspects shot him over the $2.50 bus fare. Now, union workers are hoping for change, asking for stronger punishments for offenders and better protections for drivers on high risk routes.
Leroy Ramos' family urges third suspect to surrender
As friends and family continue to mourn the loss of MARTA bus driver Leroy Ramos, some community members are urging the third suspect in this case to turn themselves in.
He was killed on Friday when police say an argument over a bus fare led to gunfire. Two juveniles have been arrested and charged with aggravated assault and murder in connection with Ramos' death.
"Whoever that is, please turn yourself in because this family needs to be at peace. Right now, they're grieving, and they don't know what's going on," Gerald Rose with New Order National Human Rights Organization said.
On Monday, members of the New Order Nation Human Rights Organization encouraged the third suspect to turn themselves in.
"We will gladly walk you down to the police department if you're scared for your safety," Rose added.
They also spoke about the need for change to bring an end to gun violence especially among young people.
"If kids had more things to do like when I was growing up, I think we would have a much different society than the one that we currently live in," Lawrence Wright said.
"Put down the guns. Pick up a pencil. Pick up a book," he added.
"A lot of our young people are lost. But it's up for us to grab them back and let them know why you out here destroying our own community," Rose said.
Family, MARTA workers honor killed driver
On Sunday, dozens of union workers joined loved ones for a balloon release at the MARTA station where the tragedy unfolded.
"We wanted to show solidarity. We wanted to show our condolences to the family," ATU 732 President Britt Dunams told FOX 5.
Ramos had been with the transit agency after moving to Atlanta from New York in October.
"Leroy had a big heart. We’re gonna stand united as a family for him," his wife Monique Ramos told FOX 5.
Leroy Ramos and his wife Monique Ramos pose with their son. (Photo submitted by family)
He leaves behind two daughters and a 7-year-old son.
Loved ones of Ramos have started an online fundraiser to help cover funeral arrangements.
The Source: Information for this report was provided by FOX 5's Kim Leoffler and a previous story by Joi Dukes. The MARTA Police Department provided the details about the fatal incident. This story has been updated since it was originally published to provided new details.