Suspect In Execution-Style Slaying In Smyrna Arrested In New Jersey

SMYRNA, GA -- The suspect in an execution-style slaying outside a Smyrna gas station has been caught in New Jersey, authorities said Wednesday. Joseph Priester, 36, was arrested by officers with the Cobb County Fugitives Unit and U.S. Marshals, according to a social media post by the Cobb Sheriff's Office.

Law enforcement officials said that Priester opened fire on Genaro Rojas Martinez, 39, at a Texaco on South Cobb Drive last week. Police said that Martinez came out of the gas station and was headed toward the fuel pumps when the driver of a dark green Chevy Avalanche pulled up next to him. The driver of the Avalanche then pulled out a gun and shot the Martinez in the head, according to a news release from Smyrna police spokesman Robert Harvey. SIGN UP: To get notified of more local news like this, click here to sign up for the Smyrna Patch. Or find your Atlanta-area town here. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.

Law enforcement believe the shooting may have been a contract killing. "You could tell through the video, [the gunman] had purpose. He went up and almost point blank, shot him in the head," Deputy Chief Robert Harvey told WAGA-TV. "[The victim was] completely oblivious, according to the video. That's the big question mark right now. There has got to be more to this."

Officers arriving on the scene found Martinez's body on the ground next to a truck. It is unknown how long Priester had been in New Jersey or whether that was his destination.

Image via Smyrna Police Department