HCSO NEWS RELEASE:
“Search underway for suspect in overnight murder
A man was shot and killed in Gainesville early Friday morning by a passenger in his vehicle.
The suspect, identified as Deon Altron Ellison, 24, of Gainesville, remains at large.
Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) criminal investigators became aware of the shooting
just after 1:30 a.m. when they found a witness to the crime at the entrance ramp from Jesse
Jewell Parkway to I-985 northbound. The vehicle, with the victim deceased inside, was
found nearby.
Investigators so far have determined Ellison and the witness were in the vehicle with the
victim exiting I-985 northbound at Exit 24/Jesse Jewell Parkway. Ellison and the victim
began to argue, and as the argument escalated, Ellison pulled a handgun and shot the victim
in the head. The vehicle traveled through the intersection and into a ditch where it came to
a stop.
Ellison fled the scene in the direction of the Rabbittown community. Authorities searched
throughout the night for Ellison but have been unable to locate him. The search continues
this morning.
Ellison is wanted on charges of felony murder, aggravated assault and aggravated battery.
Anyone who has information on Ellison’s whereabouts should call 911 or Investigator
Sinyard at 770-297-4697. Ellison should not be approached.
The name of the victim is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.”