A man was arrested Sunday in connection with the shooting death of his 77-year-old grandfather in Lithonia, according to police.

Jamal Nicholl, 34, was taken into custody at the scene and faces a charge of murder in the death of Pierce Crafton, authorities said.

Around 6 p.m., Lithonia officers got 911 calls about a person shot in the 7000 block of Dean Court between Covington Highway and Turner Hill Road. When they arrived, they found Crafton already dead, police said.

“The motive behind this tragic incident remains unknown at this time,” police spokesperson Sgt. Jedidia Hazlewood said in a statement. “The Lithonia Police Department expresses its deepest condolences to the victim’s family. This is a truly heartbreaking event, and our thoughts are with the affected loved ones during this difficult time.”

Investigators are still gathering information and remain “dedicated to conducting a thorough investigation,” Hazlewood said.

— Please return to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for updates.

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

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