FULTON COUNTY, Ga. - A security guard accused in a deadly Christmas Eve shooting at an East Point Family Dollar is now in custody, police confirmed Thursday.

What we know:

Investigators had been looking for 6-foot-7 Justin Hodges since Dec. 24, 2024, when 40-year-old Scott Melton was gunned down inside the store on Delowe Drive shortly after 1:30 p.m.

Authorities said Hodges shot Melton during an encounter at the store, though detectives have not disclosed what led up to the violence. Melton was pronounced dead at the scene.

For months, East Point police and Crime Stoppers Atlanta sought the public’s help, offering a reward of up to $2,000 for information that would lead to Hodges’ capture.

PREVIOUS: Manhunt continues for suspected gunman in deadly Christmas Eve killing in East Po

See Full Page