DeKalb County, Georgia—A quiet neighborhood in Panthersville was shattered in the early hours of Saturday morning when a shooting at a short-term rental property claimed the lives of two young men, leaving a community grappling with fear and unanswered questions. The victims, identified as 23-year-old Leviticus Burns and a 21-year-old man whose name has yet to be released, became the latest casualties of gun violence in a troubling incident that police are now racing to investigate.
The events unfolded around 2 a.m. on Brandenberry Drive, a typically peaceful street lined with family homes. The house, rented out as a short-term vacation property, became the site of a large gathering. Neighbors reported a steady flow of cars arriving at the property throughout the evening, signaling a party or social event that would later take a deadly turn. According to DeKalb County Police, the first calls for help came from inside the house. A woman at the gathering reportedly contacted the property owner, expressing concerns about safety and a growing sense of unease as the night progressed. Moments later, gunfire erupted, shattering the early-morning silence and sending partygoers into chaos.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found Leviticus Burns already deceased from gunshot wounds. The second victim, a 21-year-old man, was still alive when emergency responders arrived. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but despite the efforts of medical personnel, he succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter. Police have not disclosed whether the two men knew each other or the specific circumstances that led to the shooting.
The property owner, who requested anonymity, described the initial phone call she received from the gathering, which foreshadowed the violence to come. “A young woman called me, and she sounded terrified,” the owner recounted. “She said there were arguments breaking out and that people were starting to feel unsafe. I told her to call the police, but before I could follow up, I got another call from a neighbor saying they heard gunshots.”
Neighbors reported hearing a barrage of gunfire and seeing multiple vehicles speeding away from the scene moments later. “It sounded like at least 10 shots,” said a nearby resident who asked to remain unnamed. “We saw people running to their cars and driving off like their lives depended on it. It was chaos.” The sudden eruption of violence has left the usually tranquil neighborhood on edge, with residents expressing shock and frustration over the use of short-term rental properties for large, unregulated gatherings.
The DeKalb County Police Department has not yet identified any suspects or released further details about the number of people who were present at the time of the shooting. Investigators are combing through evidence, including witness statements and surveillance footage from neighboring homes, to piece together what happened. One challenge facing detectives is the transient nature of short-term rental gatherings, which often involve attendees who are not from the immediate area and who may be reluctant to come forward with information.
This tragic incident has reignited debates about the regulation of short-term rental properties, particularly in suburban neighborhoods like Panthersville. Many residents argue that these rentals are increasingly being used to host large parties and gatherings that disrupt the peace and, in extreme cases, lead to dangerous situations like the one that unfolded Saturday. “It’s like these properties become party zones, and the owners don’t know—or don’t care—what’s happening inside,” said one neighbor. “It’s putting everyone at risk.”
The owner of the Brandenberry Drive property expressed her devastation over the incident and emphasized that she had no knowledge of the gathering when the property was rented. “This was supposed to be a quiet rental for a weekend getaway,” she explained. “I never expected anything like this to happen. I feel terrible for the families of the victims and for the neighbors who had to witness this tragedy.”
As investigators work to determine the motive behind the shootings, community members are mourning the loss of two young lives. Leviticus Burns, the first victim identified, has been remembered by friends and family as a kind-hearted and ambitious young man. “He was full of life and had so much potential,” said a close friend. “This never should have happened. He didn’t deserve this.”
The second victim, whose name has not yet been released, is similarly being mourned by his loved ones. A family member described him as “a bright light” who had dreams of pursuing a career in business. Both families are now grappling with the unbearable grief of losing their sons to senseless violence.
This tragedy is part of a broader pattern of gun violence in the Atlanta metropolitan area, where incidents at social gatherings have become all too common. Data from local law enforcement agencies shows a troubling rise in shootings at private parties and short-term rental properties, a trend that officials attribute to a combination of lax regulations and the proliferation of firearms.
Assistant Chief Brent Powell of the DeKalb County Police Department addressed the media on Saturday afternoon, pledging to bring the perpetrators to justice. “This was a senseless act of violence that cut two young lives tragically short,” Powell said. “We are working tirelessly to gather evidence and identify those responsible. We urge anyone with information to come forward and help us bring closure to the families of the victims.”
In the wake of the shooting, local leaders and community advocates are calling for increased oversight of short-term rental properties. Panthersville residents are urging DeKalb County officials to implement stricter regulations, including mandatory registration and enhanced monitoring of rental activities. “This is about preventing future tragedies,” said local activist Carla Henderson. “We need to ensure that our neighborhoods remain safe and that these properties aren’t being misused.”
Meanwhile, the families of the victims are left to navigate the painful process of mourning and seeking justice. A vigil is being planned for later this week to honor the lives of Leviticus Burns and the second victim. Community members are expected to gather at a local park, where they will light candles, share memories, and call for an end to the violence that has claimed too many lives.
The DeKalb County Police Department continues to urge anyone with information about the incident to contact their homicide division at 404-298-8100 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477). The investigation remains active, and authorities are hopeful that leads will emerge in the coming days.
As the neighborhood of Panthersville attempts to recover from the shock of Saturday’s events, the broader community is left grappling with the urgent need to address the root causes of violence and ensure that tragedies like this one do not happen again. Whether through stricter rental regulations, enhanced community policing, or broader efforts to reduce gun violence, the hope remains that meaningful change can emerge from this devastating loss. For now, the focus remains on honoring the lives of the victims and supporting their families through this unimaginable time.
