South Fulton County

Car found in connection to fatal shooting

EAST POINT, Ga. — Police think they could have a key piece of evidence in the murder of a 33-year-old dancer. Detectives now have a burgundy Mustang that fits the description of a car used in the shooting early Sunday morning.

Investigators told Channel 2’s Liz Artz that they were tipped off by an Atlanta police officer after Channel 2 Action News’ first story aired.

The Atlanta officer called East Point police and told them he thought he had seen the car. It was caught on police cameras along Delowe Drive. %

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That led them to a burgundy Mustang matching the description of one

"I’m so happy you don't even understand.  It's like I just hit the big game," said Derrick Couch.

Couch was in a minivan with Gunnell and five other close friends when police say a man standing outside the Mustang started shooting an AK-47 at the vehicle.

Right now police think the shooting was random.

"It could have been anybody, an elderly couple. Anybody in that car that could have got shot, why? What was your purpose?" Couch said.

Detectives are still searching for the shooter.

The Mustang, found abandoned at an apartment complex off of Alison Drive, is headed to the GBI crime lab where it will be picked apart for evidence.

In the meantime, heartbroken friends say Gunnell, known as Mickey Mouse, was loved in life and will not be forgotten in death.

"My brother wouldn't have been right even if he had survived. He wouldn’t be the same. He wouldn’t dance with that spirit in him," Couch said.

Police are asking if you have any information about the murder to call Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477.