SMYRNA, Ga. — A suspected shooter surrendered to authorities Wednesday in connection with a deadly late-night dispute outside a friend’s home, police said.
Fifty-year-old Nikia Williams turned himself in at the Cobb County Jail, where he faces charges of murder and aggravated assault in the shooting death of 48-year-old Tori Harris.
The shooting occurred in the early hours of Sunday at the home of Harris, located in the Vinings Brooke subdivision. According to the Smyrna Police Department, a group of friends had gathered for dinner Saturday night and returned to the residence before the fatal confrontation.
Police say the trouble began when Harris asked Williams to leave the house around 4:13 a.m. Williams allegedly refused, sparking a verbal fight that escalated into a physical struggle. As the altercation moved outside, witnesses reported hearing a single gunshot. Officers later found Harris dead on the walkway leading up to the front door.
Williams fled the scene but surrendered himself to authorities after being contacted by his attorney, according to police.
Members of the community described Harris as friendly and well-liked. Neighbors voiced shock at the violence, saying that what began as a gathering among acquaintances ended in tragedy.
The motive for the shooting remains under investigation, and officials have not released details on any prior relationship between Williams and Harris. A celebration of life service for Harris is scheduled for Saturday, sources said.
The arrest and surrender have brought renewed attention to calls for accountability. Police continue to encourage anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward as the case moves toward prosecution.
