59-year-old innocent bystander killed in drive-by shooting, Atlanta police say

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ATLANTA — Atlanta police are investigating the shooting death of a woman in southwest Atlanta Monday morning. Lt. Pete Malecki said investigators believe the 59-year-old was an innocent bystander in a drive-by shooting.

Police received a call about the shooting around 5:25 a.m. off Atlanta Avenue and Hank Aaron Drive.

When officers arrived, they found the victim unresponsive with a gunshot wound to the head at the Family Food Mart. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Malecki said their preliminary findings suggest the woman had stepped outside the store when someone in a silver SUV opened fire. Police believe at least two people were inside the car. No other information is available at this time.

The victim has not been identified by police but family members on the scene identified her as Deborah Houston. Her sister Jeanetta Houston told Channel 2 that Deborah was shot in the same area only a few months ago.

The APD Homicide Unit’s investigation remains ongoing but police are asking for any additional witnesses to come forward.