BeltLine murder suspect identified as escaped prisoner

ATLANTA – A man wanted by the Georgia Department of Corrections was arrested in connection with a fatal stabbing that occurred Friday night on the Atlanta BeltLine, police said.

Atlanta police said officers were called around 8 p.m. about a person who had been stabbed at 243 Montgomery Ferry Road NE. When they arrived, officers found a dead man who had been stabbed multiple times. Grady Memorial Hospital EMS pronounced the victim dead at the scene.

Homicide detectives and several special units searched the area for a suspect. Officers later saw a man matching the suspect’s description and arrested him. The suspect was identified as 27-year-old William Coleman, who officials said was already wanted by the Department of Corrections for escape.

Coleman was arrested and taken to Atlanta Police Department headquarters for further questioning. After further investigation, he was charged with murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a knife during the commission of a crime.

Atlanta BeltLine Inc. announced earlier in the day that two homeless individuals were involved in the incident. The investigation is based on surveillance camera footage. The area was cordoned off while police completed their investigation.

“The safety and well-being of our community is of paramount importance to BeltLine and our thoughts are with those affected by this event,” said a BeltLine spokesperson.