The gun believed to have been used by the assailants in the deadly Dec. 11 hair weave armed robbery has been located by an Alcohol Firearms and Tobacco agency K-9 team in the wooded area near the scene.

ATF Special Agent Brett Bowers and K-9 Glow were called to the scene last week after an initial search for the firearm had proven unsuccessful. Despite a week of wet weather, Glow and Special Agent Bowers were able to locate the firearm in some leaves in the lot near the subdivision on Georgia Highway 20 South. The K-9 team was called in at the request of the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office during its investigation of the deadly shooting. Because of their special training in explosive detention, ATF-trained explosive detection canines can detect firearms and ammunition.

"The Rockdale County Sheriff's Office will continue to form partnerships with other law enforcement agencies-such as the ATF-to help make Rockdale County a safer place," said Sheriff Eric Levett. "This additional evidence has helped complete our case and make the neighborhood safe, since this firearm will not fall into the hands of a child playing in the area."

The ATF responded quickly to the call for assistance. "ATF considers Rockdale County Sheriff's Office a critical partner in its long-term mission of fighting violent crime and will continue to dedicate federal resources such as ATF Explosives Detection K-9 Glow and her handler Special Agent Brett Bowers in accomplishing that mission," said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Shaefer. "Special Agent Bowers and K-9 Glow have partnered with local law enforcement in the recoveries of shell casings and weapons to solve violent crimes and the Atlanta Field Division is committed to continuing the partnership with Rockdale County Sheriff's Office to ensure a safer community for its citizens."

Four suspects, Brandon Lamothe, 20; Jaquan House, 20; Christina Menzies, 20; and James Wansley Edwards, 21, all of Conyers, are in custody following the attempted armed robbery and shooting near the Fountain Crest subdivision pool that occurred the evening of Dec. 11. Jennifer Menzies, 21, was killed in the shoot out.

The Rockdale County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Bureau continues to investigate the incident.