Michael Crowley, 29, has been charged with malice murder after allegedly shooting and killing his uncle, 48-year-old Roderick Crowley, during an argument over a honey bun in DeKalb County on June 19, 2025.
DeKalb County officers were dispatched at approximately 11:20 a.m. to the 4100 block of Loveless Drive in the Ellenwood community following reports of gunfire and discovered Roderick suffering multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to warrants, Michael became enraged when he learned his uncle had eaten a honey bun he’d left in the refrigerator. A witness told Michael to calm down and leave, but he returned moments later and fired four shots into Roderick’s chest and arms, killing him almost instantly.
Shortly after the shooting, Michael called 911 to confess that he had shot his uncle and then fled on foot into nearby woods. A police K-9 unit tracked him down along with the firearm used in the attack. He was taken into custody without further incident.
DeKalb County Police formally arrested Michael and booked him on a malice murder charge. Court records show he waived his initial hearing and was later released on bond. Prosecutors have not disclosed a motive beyond the dispute over the bakery item, and the investigation remains open as authorities continue interviewing witnesses and reviewing evidence.
The Ellenwood neighborhood has been left shaken by the senseless nature of the crime. Neighbors told local media they struggled to reconcile how a routine family visit could turn so violent over what began as a trivial argument. Police urge anyone with additional information to contact the DeKalb County Police Department or Crime Stoppers.