Crime
23-year-old Leviticus Burns Killed in Shooting During Gathering at Rental Property in DeKalb County
A second victim, a 21-year-old man, was transported to a hospital with a gunshot wound but later succumbed to his injuries.
DeKalb County, GA — A gathering at a home in Panthersville early Saturday morning turned deadly, leaving two people fatally shot, according to DeKalb County Police.
Police responded to reports of gunfire at a house on Brandenberry Drive. Upon arrival, officers discovered 23-year-old Leviticus Burns deceased at the scene.
A second victim, a 21-year-old man, was transported to a hospital with a gunshot wound but later succumbed to his injuries.
Authorities stated that the home, believed to be a short-term rental property, was being used for the gathering.
According to the property owner, she received a call around 2 a.m. from someone at the house expressing concerns about feeling unsafe.
Neighbors also reported hearing gunshots and subsequently contacted the property owner. Witnesses noted that several vehicles fled the scene following the gunfire.
Police have not yet determined how many people were present during the gathering and have not released any details regarding potential suspects.
Investigators are working to gather more information about the incident and the circumstances that led to the fatal shootings.
The DeKalb County Police Department urges anyone with information to contact their office or Crime Stoppers to assist in solving the case.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.