ATLANTA — Police released new video Monday of the moments leading up to a couple being gunned down in their bedroom as one of their children was lying down on the couch.
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The deadly shootings happened early in the morning of December 18, 2021 in Southeast Atlanta. Police arrived at the apartment at 222 Tuskegee Street and found Centeria Fields, 41 and Stanley Pratt, 46 dead in a bedroom.
“It is my belief the perpetrator in this incident definitely had intimate knowledge of the layout of this apartment. He had intimate knowledge of the goings of Mr. Pratt and his early morning routine,” said Atlanta Police Homicide Detective Jarion Shepard.
Police say the gunman was lying in wait outside for several hours. When Pratt left the building to have a cigarette, police say the gunman approached and shot him in the face.
“Mr. Pratt then retreated back to this bedroom, seeking shelter, the perpetrator followed him into the bedroom. That’s where he gunned down both Mr. Pratt and Miss Fields within earshot and eyesight of their 11-year-old child and 6-year-old child,” Shephard said.
Police showed video from a camera inside the living room of the apartment that shows the wounded male victim running into the bedroom with his 11-year-old son asleep on the couch.
The child runs away after the gunman chases the victim into the bedroom. The suspect is seen running out of the apartment.
The child called 911 to report the shootings.
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At a news conference, family members of the victims appealed for help to identify the shooter. That included Pratt’s former wife and mother of his three older children.
“Not only did they take Stanley, they took C.C., all while the children were in the home a week before Christmas, Christmas decorations were up on the tree. This person took someone who means a lot to us,” said Sharee Stewart.
One of Pratt’s older children also asked the public for help to catch who murdered his father and Fields.
“Whoever did this took a loved man. You took a trying man. And that’s the worst thing you can do.” said Sage Pratt.
Investigators do not have a motive for the shooting but say Pratt was clearly targeted by the gunman.
Police say tips can be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or online. Those providing tips could be eligible for a $5,000 reward.
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