DeKalb police have released surveillance photos of three people of interest in an alleged hate-motivated shooting and robbery of a gay Decatur man earlier this month.
Ronald Trey Peters, 28, was gunned down outside along Orchard Circle near Decatur the morning of June 4, police said previously. His partner told investigators he was on his way to the MARTA station before work.
Witnesses said as Peters walked down the roadway, two men got out of a truck and put on masks, according to a DeKalb police report. They also said the gunman used an anti-gay slur as he ordered Peters to turn over his bag.
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“The witness then stated one of the unidentified suspects shot the victim in the chest with a chrome pistol, then proceeded to shoot him again in the neck after he was on the ground and took his bag,” the incident report said.
Bystanders told police the men who robbed and fatally shot Peters left in a maroon, 4-door truck driven by a third person.
Credit: DeKalb Police Department
Credit: DeKalb Police Department
Investigators checked the box on the report indicating the crime was “hate motivated.” Georgia is one of four states that does not have a hate crimes law, which allow for steeper penalties against certain bias-related crimes.
Credit: DeKalb Police Department
Credit: DeKalb Police Department
Peters, who was from Pell City, Ala., worked at Regional Medical Group in Decatur as a case manager.
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Credit: DeKalb Police Department
Credit: DeKalb Police Department
Anyone with information on the identities or whereabouts of the persons of interest is asked to contact the DeKalb County Police Department at 770-724-7850.
Tipsters can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477, texting information to 274637 or visiting the Crime Stoppers website.
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