UK scientist visiting girlfriend in Atlanta area is killed by stray bullet: police

A British scientist who reportedly was visiting his girlfriend within the Atlanta space has been killed by a stray bullet in an incident that police are describing as a “random act.” 

Investigators in Brookhaven had been “following up on all leads” Monday afternoon following the demise of Matthew Willson on Jan. 16, Sgt. Jake Kissel informed Fox Information Digital. The 31-year-old astrophysicist was shot inside an condo shortly after arriving to go to his girlfriend Katherine Shepard, whom he met whereas learning at Georgia State College, in line with the Atlanta Journal-Structure.  

“The smallest factor we might ask for is that whoever did [this] is held accountable,” Shepard informed the newspaper. 

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As of Monday, police haven’t introduced the identities of any suspects within the case. 

“This incident seems to be a random act involving people taking part within the reckless discharge of firearm(s) which led to the tragic demise of Dr. Willson,” Brookhaven Police stated in an announcement. 

The Atlanta Journal-Structure, citing police, reported that the bullet that struck Willson within the head is believed to have been fired from a close-by condo advanced round 2 a.m. that Sunday earlier than crusing into Shepard’s bed room, the place he had been staying. 

Police stated they acquired a number of 911 calls reporting photographs being fired in a posh within the 3600 block of Buford Freeway, whereas a separate caller stated a person – later recognized as Willson – was struck inside a constructing alongside the 3100 block of Clairmont Highway. 

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“He woke as much as gunshots,” Shepard informed the newspaper. “I heard them and I had simply turned off the sunshine.” 

“Then the bullet got here by way of,” she continued. “Then I heard his respiration change.” 

Willson – who lives in England — in the end was pronounced lifeless at a neighborhood hospital. 

“He was so completely happy to be right here and have the ability to spend time with Katherine,” his sister, Kate, informed the Atlanta Journal-Structure. “It’s unimaginable to grasp how it’s even true.” 

 

The College of Exeter in southwest England, the place Willson as soon as studied as a doctoral pupil, described him as a “much-loved member of our astrophysics staff,” in line with the BBC. 

“Our hearts exit to his household, mates and colleagues,” the college added. “We’re providing help to colleagues on the college who may also wish to commemorate his life.”