Atlanta murder suspect killed by police in Cobb County, family says

Manhunt ends for Atlanta murder suspect

State and federal officers captured 31-year-old Damian Strozier in Cobb County Tuesday evening following a massive search.

COBB COUNTY, Ga. - A 31-year-old murder suspect was killed after a massive seven-hour search involving federal and local agents in Cobb County on Tuesday, according to his family.

His family said he was unarmed at the time.

What we know:

This started around 1 p.m. on Tuesday near Leland Road and Windy Hill Road. 

Officers encountered 31-year-old Damian Strozier, who has an outstanding murder warrant in Atlanta.

Authorities are searching for Damian Strozier after he point a gun at an officer on April 21, 2026. (Credit: Cobb County Police Department) 

According to the Cobb County Police Department, Strozier was armed and pointed a weapon at an officer. After the officer fired his service weapon, Strozier fled.

This prompted a large-scale search, involving approximately 200 police units, with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Georgia State Patrol, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Cobb County Sheriff's Office joining the police department.  

Timeline:

After the initial encounter, officers searched the woods for hours with their guns drawn.  They used dogs, drones, and helicopters to track the suspect.

At approximately 7:30 p.m., witnesses heard gunshots coming from inside the Belmont Place apartment complex.

Officers raced to the entrance and ended the search shortly after.

What they're saying:

Strozier's family told FOX 5 Atlanta reporter Denise Dillon that police shot and killed the father of four while they were on the phone with him trying to convince him to surrender to authorities. 

Strozier's mother said they were recording the conversation to ensure his side of the story was told before it could be "painted" by others. 

His brother added that the family was working on a plan to go with him so he could turn himself in safely. 

While on the call, the family says they heard yelling and gunshots without any warning or commands to freeze.

What we don't know:

Police have released very little information about the incident and have not confirmed whether he died or how.

The family did not share the previously mentioned recordings.

The backstory:

Strozier was wanted in connection with a deadly crash involving a scooter and a pedestrian. 

According to the Atlanta Police Department, a 67-year-old woman was struck by a scooter in the 1000 block of Northside Drive NW and was rushed to an area hospital, where she died the following day. 

The Fulton County Medical Examiner identified the woman as Janet Davis.

The driver of the scooter did not stay at the scene. 

Arrest warrants had been secured for Strozier for felony murder and aggravated assault.

What's next:

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said it has been asked to investigate an officer-involved shooting.