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Police ID woman found shot dead in car inside Gwinnett church parking lot

By and FOX 5 Atlanta Digital Team
Updated  October 2, 2020 2:23am EDT
Dacula
FOX 5 Atlanta

Homeowner will not face charges in shooting

A Gwinnett County homeowner accused of shooting and killing a woman will not face charges.

DACULA, Ga. - Gwinnett County police said the Dacula area homeowner who shot and killed a woman early Wednesday morning will likely not face any criminal charges. Investigators believe that homeowner acted in self-defense.

Police said officers were called out to the parking lot of Christ the King Church located in the 200 block of Rabbit Hill Road around 3 a.m. where they found an unconscious woman inside a car parked there. The woman was later identified as Azahni Ellis, 27, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Investigators were able to determine the woman was actually shot across the street at a home and quickly were able to identify the shooter. Police believe the homeowner met the woman online that day.

“From what I understand, the homeowner met the woman that day,” Gwinnett County Police Corporal Collin Flynn said.

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Woman gunned down early Wednesday morning in unincorporated Dacula. @GwinnettPd found her inside a car in church parking lot but think she was shot at home across the street.

Marc Teichner/FOX 5 Atlanta

Police said the homeowner had invited Ellis over Tuesday evening. At some point, they said Ellis attempted to rob the homeowner and shot at him as he attempted to flee the residence.

“The woman tried to rob the man of his Rolex watch,” Corporal Flynn said.

Police said she fled the scene, but didn't stay away for long.

“The woman left the house only to return a short time later,” Flynn said.

RELATED: Woman found shot dead in car inside Gwinnett church parking lot

Ellis then attempted to force her way inside the home by breaking a window next to the front door.

“At that point in time, the homeowner was able to brandish a weapon,” Corporal Flynn said.

The homeowner shot Ellis as she was coming through the front door, investigators said. She then fled the scene again, driving to the church across the street where officers later found her.

“Officers rendered aid but she died at the scene,” he said.

Police have not charged the homeowner in the shooting and determined it to be committed in self-defense.

“Do your due diligence and at least screening who you invite to come over,” Corporal Flynn said.

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