Decatur, DeKalb County, January 16, 2026
Marquel Heard, 33, has been arrested in connection with the tragic shooting of Anna Scott, 36, in DeKalb County. This significant development comes after the incident that shocked a community last September. With charges of felony murder and criminal attempt to commit burglary, Heard’s arrest represents a crucial step toward justice for the victim’s grieving family and friends. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office continues to pursue the remaining suspects involved in this case.
DeKalb County
A significant development in a case that cast a somber shadow over a DeKalb County community unfolded recently, with the arrest of Marquel Heard, 33, in connection with the fatal shooting of Anna Scott, 36. Heard’s apprehension in Birmingham, Alabama, on Thursday, January 15, 2026, marks a critical step forward in seeking justice for an incident that occurred last September.
Details of the Arrest and Charges
The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit successfully located and apprehended Heard, who is now facing charges of felony murder and criminal attempt to commit burglary. He is currently being held in the Jefferson County Jail. This arrest is particularly poignant as Heard is identified as the first of three suspects in the case to be taken into custody. The methodical pursuit of those allegedly responsible reflects a persistent dedication to accountability.
The Incident in Decatur
The tragic event for which Heard has been arrested took place on September 20, 2025, outside Ms. Scott’s home on the 3700 block of Citation Drive in Decatur. The narrative of that day speaks to a profound violation of personal sanctuary. Ms. Scott, upon receiving an alert from her doorbell camera showing a break-in at her residence, raced home, a human instinct to protect what is cherished. In confronting the alleged burglars, she was met with violence, as one of the suspects reportedly opened fire on her vehicle. Rushed to the hospital, she succumbed to her injuries, leaving behind a community in grief and a family grappling with an immense loss.
The details surrounding Anna Scott’s death underscore the fragility of peace within one’s own dwelling. Her family, in their profound sorrow, remembered her for her warm and caring nature, her love for animals, and her aspirations as an animal health practitioner. The shock and devastation expressed by those who knew her serve as a quiet testament to the far-reaching consequences of such acts of violence.
Ongoing Pursuit of Justice
While Marquel Heard’s arrest represents a significant milestone, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office continues its work, as Heard is reportedly one of three individuals implicated in the crime. This ongoing effort reminds us that the path to full justice can be long, yet it is pursued with an unwavering commitment to the principles of law and order. Such pursuits are not merely about legal process; they are about restoring a measure of equilibrium to lives irrevocably altered and reaffirming the collective expectation of safety in one’s home and community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was arrested in connection with the DeKalb County fatal shooting?
A: Marquel Heard, 33, was arrested in connection with the fatal shooting.
Q: What are the charges against Marquel Heard?
A: Marquel Heard faces charges of felony murder and criminal attempt to commit burglary.
Q: When and where was Marquel Heard arrested?
A: Marquel Heard was arrested on Thursday, January 15, 2026, in Birmingham, Alabama.
Q: Who was the victim of the fatal shooting?
A: The victim of the fatal shooting was Anna Scott, 36 years old.
Q: When did the shooting incident occur?
A: The shooting incident occurred on September 20, 2025.
Q: Where did the shooting incident take place?
A: The shooting incident took place outside Anna Scott’s home on the 3700 block of Citation Drive in Decatur, DeKalb County.
Q: What were the circumstances surrounding the shooting?
A: Anna Scott was shot as she arrived home during a burglary after seeing her house being broken into on a doorbell camera; one of the suspects opened fire on her car.
Q: Is Marquel Heard the only suspect in this case?
A: Heard is the first of three suspects identified in the case to be taken into custody.
Key Details of the DeKalb County Shooting Arrest
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Suspect Name | Marquel Heard |
| Suspect Age | 33 years old |
| Charges | Felony murder, criminal attempt to commit burglary |
| Arrest Date | Thursday, January 15, 2026 |
| Arrest Location | Birmingham, Alabama |
| Current Custody | Jefferson County Jail |
| Victim Name | Anna Scott |
| Victim Age | 36 years old |
| Incident Date | September 20, 2025 |
| Incident Location | 3700 block of Citation Drive, Decatur, DeKalb County |
| Number of Suspects Identified | Three (Marquel Heard is the first arrested) |
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