Suspect in double slaying waives 1st appearance

ATLANTA — The man accused of murdering two people, including the mother of his child,waived his first court appearance Monday morning.

Atlanta police said a tip led them to 28-year-old Michael O'Neal Sunday morning.

Police said O'Neal shot and killed Shonenneshia Tucker and Derrick Pitts Jr. at a home on Holly Street on Wednesday.

"This guy shot my son in front of my two grandchildren and then he wanted to hide and run,"

Police said O'Neal and Tucker had a child together and the two got into an argument. Pitts' family said he stepped in to break up the argument, and that's when gunfire erupted.

"They said he was trying to help a friend," Pitts' mother, Sharon Gleaton, said.

After searching for several days, police tracked O'Neal down on Sunday.

Hours after his arrest, family and friends gathered to raise money to bury Pitts.

"Really shows the love in the community and support for him," Gleaton said,

"My son is gone. Ain't nothing going to replace him," Derrick Pitts Sr. said.

Police said O'Neal is facing two murder charges. His next court date is set for May 6 at 9 a.m.

WSBTV