Family of young father who was shot to death desperate for leads in the case

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — The family of a DeKalb County man who was found shot to death outside of an apartment in January is begging for leads in the case.

Devon Simms, 28, was found dead of a gunshot wound at his apartment complex off Gladeview Parkway on Jan. 16. He appeared to be going to work when he was killed, police said.

Simms, who was the father of two young children, was the first homicide of the year in DeKalb County. Police still have no suspects in the case.

Channel 2's Audrey Washington was the only reporter to sit down with Simms' mother, Tracie, about the day her son was killed.

“His job called and said he hadn’t shown up for work in two days and I almost lost it right there,” Tracie Simms said.

Investigators believe Devon Simms was at the complex to visit a friend after work. Simms worked at a food distribution company.

TRENDING STORIES:

• Husband confesses to killing pregnant wife, 2 young daughters, police say
• Local HS football team stages walkout protesting practice conditions
• Convicted murderer who kidnapped, assaulted woman could soon be free

Witnesses said they heard some arguing and then a gunshot. Investigators say robbery was not the motive.

“There was nothing taken from him. He still had his cellphone and money on him," said Det. Drew Collins with the DeKalb County Police Department.

Eight months later, there are still no suspects.

“Right now we're kind of getting to that area where we’ve kind of hit a brick wall," Collins said. "We have exhausted all of the leads that we have and were reaching out to the community to see if we can generate some new leads.”

Tracie Simms said she needs closure for herself and for the two children her son left behind.

“I’m going to proceed and continue to fight for justice for my son," she told Washington. "No matter what it takes.I’m putting up posters around Stone Mountain and I’m asking anyone out there to speak. You don’t have to say your name, just do it for the family.”

Police believe someone knows something about the crime. Anyone with information is urged to call Crimestoppers at 404-577-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous.

Cox Media Group