Olaolukitan Adon Abel, a convicted felon, and Damon Marquis Yarns, an Atlanta-area homeless man, have been charged with federal firearms offenses following the fatal shooting of a U.S. Department of Homeland Security employee in DeKalb County earlier this week, according to an April 17 announcement from authorities.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address gun violence and prosecute those accused of illegally obtaining or possessing firearms. The incident is being investigated as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which aims to reduce violent crime through collaboration among various agencies.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg said, “The defendants allegedly violated federal law to put a firearm in the hands of a convicted felon with tragic consequences.” Hertzberg also stated his confidence in the DeKalb County District Attorney’s investigation into what he called “Monday’s heinous attacks in Brookhaven and Decatur,” adding that his office would continue to provide support as needed.
ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Ryan Todd said, “Through strong partnerships and proactive efforts, we are making measurable progress in reducing crime. These charges reinforce our commitment to holding offenders accountable and protecting our communities.”
According to court documents and information presented by Hertzberg: on April 13 officers responded to a homicide scene where they found a loaded 9mm pistol near the victim—later identified as Lauren Bullis—and cartridge casings at the site. Investigators traced the firearm back to Yarns’ purchase at an Atlanta dealer on February 20; Yarns reportedly admitted buying it for Abel under false pretenses before handing it over immediately after purchase.
Abel was later stopped by Georgia State Patrol Troopers who discovered ammunition matching that found at the murder scene. He remains incarcerated facing multiple felony charges including malice murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Yarns appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher C. Bly and was remanded pending further proceedings; both men are presumed innocent until proven guilty at trial.
This prosecution falls under the responsibility of the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia—the principal federal law enforcement agency for north Georgia—which prioritizes cases involving threats such as terrorism, human trafficking, civil rights violations and coordinates matters with national or international dimensions according to its official website. The office serves approximately 7.5 million residents across northern Georgia including Atlanta suburbs according to its official website.
