Nigerian-American murder suspect dies in US detention

According to Theodore Hertzberg, the US Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, Abel was linked to the death of Lauren Bullis, a Department of Homeland Security employee, after an investigation traced an illegally purchased firearm to him. Damon Marquis Yarns, 35, allegedly bought the 9mm pistol for Abel, who was identified as "Abdul or Obie." Yarns admitted to falsely declaring himself as the actual buyer of the firearm.

Abel was stopped by Georgia State Patrol troopers, and a search of his vehicle revealed 9mm ammunition and shell casings matching those found at the crime scene. He was arrested and faced multiple felony charges, including malice murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Abel had previous felony convictions, including assault of a police officer with a deadly weapon in California and misdemeanor sexual battery in Georgia.

The New York Post reported that Abel was found unresponsive in his cell on April 21, and while the cause of death has not been determined, officials do not suspect foul play.