Suspect in East Point officer's fatal shooting waives first hearing

FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — The woman accused of shooting and killing an East Point police officer waived her first hearing at Fulton County jail Wednesday morning.

Danielle Parker, who police call an "ex-roommate" of East Point police Cpl. Crystal Parker, is facing murder charges in the officer's death.

On Tuesday, U.S. marshals and Fulton County police arrested Danielle Parker at an address on Fairburn Road in southwest Atlanta.

Danielle Parker, who is not related to the victim, was silent when she was led into the Fulton County jail Tuesday night.

Fulton County police explained some of the findings of their investigation at a Tuesday evening news conference. At the time, they said the 30-year-old suspect was being questioned before being charged.

Fulton County police Cpl. Kay Lester said Crystal Parker's body was found at her home on Creel Road in south Fulton County on Sunday night, but they believe she may have been dead for about three days. A woman described as "a mother figure" made the discovery.

Police told WSB Radio that the suspect moved out of Crystal Parker's home about one month ago. Laster said the suspect changed her last name to Parker.

"We have not determined if it was the breakup of a couple, but she was determined to be an ex-roommate," Laster said.

The victim's father, Joseph Parker, said the family knows the suspect, but "not very well."

He said he was thankful for the police work that led to an arrest and described his daughter with kind words.

"She was a kind person, very loving human being, and she was a smart girl, talking about going back to college," he said.

East Point Police Chief Woodrow Blue said she was ready to be sergeant.

"She will be sorely missed," he said.

Police said they are not ready to release a motive. Earlier in the day, neighbors said they are concerned that police have not released a motive, especially with a rash of break-ins in the area.

"We are just going to form a better community watch to try to make things better," neighbor Paul Askew said.

"Very scary. (An) officer is the one who is supposed to protect us. I'm shocked she's the one who got killed," neighbor Malu Clauidine said.

At the news conference, Lester said that the public is safe.

Channel 2's Richard Elliot is tracking developments in this story. He'll have updates on Channel 2 Action News at Noon.

WSBTV