DeKalb County Tragedy: Woman and 7-Year-Old Girl Fatally Shot in Domestic-Related Attack; Suspect in Custody
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A devastating act of domestic violence rocked a DeKalb County neighborhood Friday afternoon, leaving a woman and a young girl dead inside their apartment and a community in shock. Authorities have confirmed the shooting was a domestic-related incident, and the suspect—identified as the woman’s estranged husband and the child’s uncle—is now in custody.
Timeline of the Incident
DeKalb County Police responded to a distressing 911 call around 2:48 p.m. Friday, reporting a double shooting at The Forest at Columbia Apartments, located in the 2500 block of Columbia Drive. Upon arrival, officers found two victims—29-year-old Tomika Pullins and 7-year-old Dior Scott—suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite the urgent efforts of first responders, both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
According to multiple witnesses, 48-year-old William Lewis attempted to gain entry into the apartment. When he was denied access, he reportedly broke a window and then opened fire on those inside. Following the shooting, Lewis fled the scene on foot, prompting an extensive manhunt by local law enforcement.
“This is something that is completely senseless,” said DeKalb County Police spokesperson Officer Elise Wells during a press conference. “Not only do we have two lives tragically lost, but one of them, a child who was just getting started.”
Victims Identified: Lives Cut Tragically Short
The victims, Tomika Pullins, 29, and her 7-year-old niece Dior Scott, were both described by family members and neighbors as warm, loving, and full of life. Tomika was reportedly working to rebuild her life while raising her niece and trying to move on from a strained and volatile relationship.
Dior, a bright and playful child, was remembered by neighbors as a little girl who “lit up the courtyard” with her laughter and energy. She was a second-grade student who loved art, storytelling, and being around people.
The loss of both lives has sent shockwaves through the apartment complex and surrounding community, where residents say domestic violence incidents are an all-too-common reality.
Suspect in Custody: A Domestic Violence Case Turned Deadly
Authorities have confirmed that William Lewis—who also goes by William Lewis Almond—is the estranged husband of Tomika Pullins and the uncle of Dior Scott. Their familial relationship was confirmed during the course of the investigation, which helped police identify and apprehend the suspect swiftly.
Lewis was located and taken into custody without further incident. While his exact charges have not yet been publicly confirmed, officials say he is being held on multiple felony counts, including murder and aggravated assault. He is expected to face additional charges related to weapons possession and breaking and entering.
Police said that other individuals were inside the apartment at the time of the shooting but were not injured. Investigators believe the attack was targeted, emphasizing that this was not a random act of violence.
“We do know it’s a domestic incident and that the suspect and the adult victim were known to each other,” Officer Wells stated. “That relationship history is now a crucial part of our investigation.”
Ongoing Investigation and Unanswered Questions
While the suspect has been apprehended, many questions remain. Authorities have not yet released a timeline for Lewis’s court appearance, and it remains unclear whether he has obtained legal representation.
Police continue to interview witnesses, collect forensic evidence, and piece together the moments leading up to the fatal shooting. Investigators are also expected to look into any prior incidents of domestic violence or restraining orders involving Pullins and Lewis, as part of their broader inquiry into the case.
In the meantime, law enforcement is urging victims of domestic abuse or individuals aware of potentially violent situations to reach out for help before tragedies like this occur.
Community Mourning and Call for Action
As the investigation unfolds, grief grips the Columbia Drive community. Residents have placed flowers and stuffed animals outside the apartment complex in honor of Tomika and Dior. Vigils and memorial gatherings are being organized by local advocacy groups, with some calling for stronger protections for domestic violence victims and greater community awareness.
“This could have been prevented,” one neighbor said tearfully. “We need to do more for women and children who are trying to get out of dangerous situations.”
If You Need Help
Victims of domestic violence or anyone aware of someone in danger are encouraged to contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit thehotline.org for 24/7 confidential support.
In Memory of Tomika Pullins and Dior Scott
As loved ones struggle with the enormity of their loss, Tomika and Dior will be remembered not for the violence that took their lives, but for the love, light, and promise they carried.
In their names, may justice be swift, and may their story be a catalyst for change—because no family should ever have to endure such senseless loss.