A man accused of killing someone and leaving the body inside a burning car has been arrested, seven months after the killing in Ellenwood.
Deputies with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office tracked down the suspect July 22 at an apartment on Flat Shoals Road in Union City. They say the man injured himself climbing through a broken window while trying to escape, but was eventually taken into custody and booked into the DeKalb County Jail.
The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Marcus Overstreet of Atlanta, is charged with malice murder. He also faces unrelated charges of simple assault and battery from two family violence incidents in Ellenwood late last year.
Investigators allege he shot 36-year-old Mario Culver of Lithonia, whose body was found inside a car set on fire on Wilson Avenue in Atlanta on December 22, 2024. Authorities believe the car fire was used to cover up the shooting.
Officials say Overstreet had open warrants in Fulton County for murder, armed robbery, and illegal gun possession at the time of his arrest.
What We Don’t Know: Authorities have not released a possible motive or said how Culver and Overstreet may have known each other. Investigators have not indicated if they are looking for additional suspects.
By The Numbers:
- 7 months between the killing and arrest
- 1 body found inside a burning car
- 1 arrest for malice murder
- 5 outstanding felony warrants in Fulton County
Take Action: Anyone with information that could help the ongoing investigation is asked to contact the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office. Tips can be submitted anonymously.
⚠️ Reminder: Crime articles contain only charges and information from police reports and law enforcement statements. Suspects and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
