On June 17, 2024, 17-year-old Messiah Siah Battle was found in an outside stairwell at the Springdale Glen Apartments on Brockett Road in Clarkston, Georgia, with multiple gunshot wounds. Responding officers arrived about 12:30 a.m.; first responders attempted aid but Battle was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators publicly sought tips for months and a reward was offered for information leading to an arrest and indictment. On February 27, 2026, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 20-year-old Hamid Dawd Waykuur at a Cedarbrook Drive residence. Warrants allege Waykuur shot Battle during a physical altercation involving a juvenile co-defendant; the warrants say Waykuur and the juvenile fled after the shooting. Waykuur was charged with malice murder and held without bond.

Anyone who knew Messiah, witnessed the June 17 incident, or has information about the people involved is asked to come forward.