News Summary
A family in Decatur, Georgia, is dealing with the aftermath of their father’s death and the unexpected squatting in their childhood home. Just days after their father’s passing, squatters invaded the property, turning it into a party venue and claiming legal rights. The family is confronting significant emotional turmoil and legal challenges as they try to reclaim their home amidst ongoing police involvement and reports of fraudulent activities in the area. This incident highlights a broader issue of property rights in metro Atlanta.
Decatur, Georgia – A family in metro Atlanta is facing a distressing situation after their late father’s home was reportedly invaded by squatters just days following his passing. The siblings, who are the legal owners of the property, have expressed their dismay as they discover the house has been transformed into a party venue, complete with videos being shared online by the unauthorized occupants.
The troubling incident began just one week after the family’s father died. Within 48 hours of his passing, squatters moved into the childhood home, prompting one of the four siblings, Lisa Heath, to describe the experience as a “nightmare.” The family learned of the situation when they received a call from a concerned individual in Florida who had seen the father’s property advertised on the internet.
According to the siblings, the squatters entered the property unlawfully and are now throwing parties while claiming legal rights to the residence. Lisa Heath noted that the squatters acted as if they had just arrived “like thieves in the night,” expressing the emotional toll it has taken on the family during this difficult time.
Following their discovery of the unauthorized residents, the siblings contacted law enforcement for assistance. The police report indicates that the trespassers produced a document that they insisted was a valid lease agreement. Despite this, the legitimacy of their claim is under scrutiny.
In an attempt to confront the squatters, sibling Kevin Oliver visited the property but faced intimidation from the occupants. At one point, a squatter allegedly returned wielding a rifle, although it was not directed at him. This incident showcases the heightened tensions surrounding property ownership and occupancy rights in the area.
Local reporters have attempted to reach out to the squatters for comments but have been met with silence. A local driver who claimed to be familiar with the occupants provided no additional information, leaving the family and law enforcement with limited avenues of investigation.
Another sibling, Marcus Oliver, who practices law, has voiced frustration regarding the damage being done to the property and the ongoing party atmosphere. He emphasized the emotional strain it has placed on the family as they try to navigate the aftermath of their father’s death while confronting such a chaotic and unsettling situation.
The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, which is involved in the investigation, has left a voicemail for the current occupants stating they must substantiate their legal residency by June 3rd or vacate the premises. This timeline places additional pressure on the squatters as the family seeks to reclaim their home in a timely manner.
This situation is not isolated; it reflects broader issues within the metro Atlanta area. A recent investigation revealed that a group of alleged squatters, associated with a controversial polygamist group known as Carbon Nation, was evicted from another home following previous legal scrutiny. The group has been described in various reports as being involved in unlawful activities.
Furthermore, other cases in the region have highlighted fraudulent actions concerning property titles. One notable case involves Marva Reyes, who reported that her family home was unlawfully occupied without her consent. Investigations disclosed that her family’s property title was transferred to a third party after the deaths of her parents, raising significant legal complications regarding property ownership.
Current investigations into multiple households in DeKalb County reveal an alarming trend of property thefts and fraudulent deed transfers, leaving many homeowners confused and unaware of their property’s status. In response to this rising concern, new regulations regarding deed filings are set to be enacted next year, spurred on by public outcry about the ongoing fraudulent practices. However, these changes may arrive too late for many families who have already experienced distressing losses.
As the family grapples with the loss of their father and the unexpected turmoil at their childhood home, they hope for a resolution that would restore their ownership rights and allow them to grieve peacefully.
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Additional Resources
- 11Alive: DeKalb family says squatters took over father’s home
- 11Alive: Squatters move into home after owner dies
- Decaturish: Squatters linked to polygamist sex group evicted
- Atlanta News First: Inspectors find alleged squatter in Decatur home
- Google Search: squatters in Decatur Georgia
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
ATLANTA STAFF WRITER The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
