Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Why deputies say this Decatur-area arrest is tied to murder
Be sure to catch Holidays on Peachtree Street on the Decatur Patch calendar
Hey there, Decatur! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- Why deputies say this Decatur-area arrest is tied to murder
- How a Decatur man’s trafficking case led to a 10-year term
- How a Decatur courtroom is wiping young offenders’ records clean
Also on today's calendar: Holidays on Peachtree Street and 8 more events.
Find out what's happening in Decatur-Avondale Estatesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Decatur-Avondale Estatesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Thursday: A few a.m. showers, then rain, with a high of 57 and low of 43 degrees.
- Friday: Sunny and breezy, temps: high: 51, low: 29.
- Saturday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 60 and low of 39 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. DeKalb County Sheriff's Office arrests murder, assault, home invasion suspect (ocgnews.com) — DeKalb County deputies have arrested a Lithonia man in connection with an October shooting death and separate home invasion, after locating him on Glenwood Parkway in Decatur. The suspect faces a malice murder charge tied to a Decatur killing, along with aggravated assault, terroristic threats, and first-degree home invasion charges related to an earlier Lithonia incident. 
2. Man Convicted in Federal Court for Trafficking Two Minors After Joint GBI–HSI Investigation (laniercountynewsonline.com) — A Decatur man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for trafficking two minors, including forcing one into sex work at hotels in and around Decatur. State and federal investigators say the case highlights growing cooperation to combat human trafficking, and they’re urging anyone with tips about similar activity to call Georgia’s 24/7 trafficking hotline.
3. Project Pinnacle gives a second chance to young offenders (11alive.com) — A DeKalb County court program based in Decatur is giving 17- to 25-year-old nonviolent offenders a yearlong, skills-focused alternative to long prison sentences and permanent records. Judge Asha Jackson’s Project Pinnacle pairs participants with mentors, community service, and corporate partners like the Braves and Hawks, then wipes successful graduates’ records, opening doors to jobs, scholarships, and military service.
4. DeKalb County CEO appoints Darnell Fullum as Director of Public Safety (ocgnews.com) — DeKalb County’s new Director of Public Safety, longtime Fire Chief Darnell Fullum, will now oversee coordinated, data-driven public safety services countywide from his base in Decatur. With nearly four decades of fire and emergency leadership, he’s tasked with modernizing systems and supporting CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson’s vision for a more progressive, community-focused approach to safety.
5. Judith Abrams Obituary (2025) - Atlanta, GA - Atlanta Journal-Constitution (al.com) — Decatur and Stone Mountain neighbors are mourning Judy Dudley Abrams, a 53-year area resident and longtime leader at First Baptist Church of Decatur. Loved for her encouragement, gardening, and deep church and community ties, she leaves children, grandchildren, and many friends who will celebrate her life at Decatur First Baptist Church on Friday, December 19.
📸 Around Decatur
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Decatur
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Holidays on Peachtree Street
The Church at Ponce & Highland, 1085 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta
7:00 pm - 11th Annual Procrastinator's Pop-up
4580 Lakeshore Dr, Pine Lake
11:00 am
Saturday December 20
Sunday December 21
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Game Center Open
Oakhurst Elementary Decatur, GA 30030
8:00 am - Elkdental New Patient Offer
Elkdental , 1423 Church St , Decatur
8:30 am - Jewelry with Gin
Decatur Library -
11:00 am - The [censored] Memorial Quilt: Honoring Lives, Inspiring Change
Decatur Library -
1:00 pm - Ribbon Cutting at OODAZU Decatur, Inc
OODAZU Decatur, Inc , 421 Dekalb Industrial Way , Decatur
4:00 pm - Take & Make Saturdays
Decatur Library - - Family Yoga: Yoga with Your Little Yogi
Decatur Library -
10:00 am - The [censored] Memorial Quilt: Honoring Lives, Inspiring Change
Decatur Library -
1:00 pm - The Power of Unity in Action (Free Event)
Guild + Journeyman , 115 Clairemont Ave , Decatur
2:00 pm
Friday December 19
Saturday December 20
📣 Decatur Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- LEGO Constructors
Scottdale-Tobie Grant Homework Center -
11:00 am - Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Discussion
Toco Hill-Avis G. Williams Library Conference Room Toco Hill-Avis G. Williams Library -
11:00 am - Resistance Bands Exercise Class
Decatur Library -
12:00 pm - Hot Chocolate Bar, Holiday Movie & Trivia Series
Lithonia-Davidson Library -
1:00 pm
Thursday December 18
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Decatur PatchAM possible:
- Epiphany
Got a Startup With Purpose? Apply for 2026 Epiphany Grant! - Atlanta Expert Appliance Repair — (404) 834-5157
Servicing all brand major appliances - Mindful Learning Services LLC — (786) 554-8437
Intervention Specialist
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- 4 Starving Adolescent-Puppy Aged Dogs
***EDIT AGAIN*** we were able to secure some blankets so they should be good for the night. Thank you all! ***EDIT*** - Does anyone have a… (Nextdoor East Lake Terrace) - 4 year old aussie doodle mix needs home today.
Message me ONLY to pick up the dog. Dog has everything except for a home. (Nextdoor Glenmar)
- YMCA Metro Atlanta posted a job opening for Specialty Sports Instructor - Gymnastics in Decatur. Apply here.
- Papa John's posted a job opening for Shift Leader in Decatur. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Decatur here.
Ok Decatur! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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