Executive Summary
- Juan Carlos Martinez-Zambrano, 24, was arrested in Lawrenceville by a multi-agency task force.
- The suspect faces charges of malice murder and aggravated assault regarding a December 12, 2025, double shooting.
- One victim, Christopher Verdell, died from his injuries, while a second victim survived.
- The suspect is being held without bond at the DeKalb County Jail; no motive has been released.
DECATUR, Ga. — Authorities have arrested an Atlanta man in connection with a deadly December shooting at a Stone Mountain apartment complex following a coordinated multi-agency operation. Juan Carlos Martinez-Zambrano, 24, was taken into custody on Friday and charged with the murder of Christopher Verdell, according to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office.
The arrest took place at an apartment complex on Harbor Point Court in Lawrenceville. Members of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit executed the operation with assistance from the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service. Martinez-Zambrano is currently being held without bond at the DeKalb County Jail.
According to investigators, the charges stem from an incident on December 12, 2025, in the 1700 block of Wood Bend Drive. Police responded to the scene around 7:44 p.m. and discovered two victims suffering from serious gunshot wounds. Authorities stated that Verdell died from his injuries, while a second victim, identified as Martin Hines, survived the shooting which occurred at a nearby apartment within the same complex.
Martinez-Zambrano faces charges of malice murder and aggravated assault. While the suspect has been apprehended, officials have not yet disclosed a motive for the dispute, nor have they confirmed if the firearm used in the incident has been recovered. Police have not indicated whether the suspect had a prior relationship with the victims.
Judicial Proceedings
The apprehension of Martinez-Zambrano marks a transition from a fugitive investigation to judicial proceedings within DeKalb County. As the case proceeds, prosecutors will likely focus on establishing the sequence of events leading to the double shooting and determining if further forensic evidence links the suspect to the scene, particularly given the undisclosed status of the murder weapon. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
