DeKalb County District Attorney employee critically hit by July 4 gunfire while at home, 2 arrested

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—An employee in the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office who was critically injured by celebratory gunfire on July 4 has been identified as Lakesha Davis, officials said today (July 6). 

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the shooting, as Davis remains hospitalized, according to authorities. 

DeKalb County Police (DKPD) said Davis was at home when she was hit by gunfire. DKPD responded to the reported shooting around 11:30 p.m. in the 7500 block of Clear Creek Drive in unincorporated Lithonia.  When officers arrived, they found a woman with a gunshot wound. She was rushed to a hospital in critical but stable condition. 

Preliminary investigation suggests the victim was in the residence when a round of celebratory gunfire came into the home from outside and struck her. 

Two suspects have been arrested in this investigation, police said.  Steven Joseph, 34, is charged with Aggravated Assault and Criminal Damage in the First Degree. Odane Lynch, 42, is charged with Reckless Conduct and Discharging a Firearm near a Public.

DeKalb County District attorney Sherry Boston thanked DKPD for its quick response in apprehending the two suspects.  

“I am grateful to the DeKalb County Police Department who investigated and quickly made two arrests in connection with the shooting,” Boston said.

The D.A. said that she has requested that the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia assign a conflict prosecutor to take over the case, which is the appropriate course of action under these circumstances.  Boston made the formal request on today, July 6.

DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson condemned the shooting, saying the incident is a reminder of the devastating consequences of celebratory gunfire. She also a[[lauded DKPD for its swift actions and Boston for ensuring the case will be handled properly.

“It is with a heavy heart that one of our own, a valued member of the DeKalb County family, was critically injured by this senseless and preventable act of celebratory gunfire. 

“Our thoughts and prayers are with our employee, her loved ones and everyone affected by this tragedy. We are grateful for the swift actions of the DeKalb County Police Department, whose investigation led to two arrests, and we appreciate District Attorney Sherry Boston’s leadership in ensuring this case is handled appropriately.” 

Cochran-Johns9n said  the incident is a reminder of the devastating consequences of celebratory gunfire. DeKalb County, she said, has worked for years to raise awareness about this preventable danger. 

Following the tragic New Year’s Eve death of 4-year-old Marquel Peters in 2010, DeKalb County launched the Marquel’s Law public awareness campaign to educate residents that bullets fired into the air always come down, often with tragic consequences. The child was sitting in the pews at the Church of God of Prophecy in DeKalb County when he was struck in thread by a stray bullet from celebratory fire that came through the church’s roof. More than a decade later, this incident underscores why that message remains as important today as ever, Cochran-Johnson stated. 

DA Boston urged the community to pray for Davis and her family as they cope with the impact of the shooting.

“I have met with Lakesha and her family members to offer our support.  At this time, the Davis family respectfully asks for privacy while she recovers.  We hope you will join us as we keep Lakesha and her loved ones in our prayers,” Boston said.  

Lakesha Davis’ photos provided via family.