‘Senseless And Inexcusable’: Man Arrested In Connection With Death Of Grandmother Who Interrupted Car Theft

A man arriving home for the holidays discovered his mother murdered at her Atlanta residence in a gated community, authorities said.

Eleanor "Ellen" J. Bowles, 77, was stabbed multiple times, likely between 11:30 a.m. and noon on Dec. 10, police said, according to WXIA-TV.

“She was a grandmother preparing for the Christmas holiday when she was found stabbed to death in her garage with her car stolen,” reads a GoFundMe set up after Bowles’ death.

Police released surveillance video of a man outside Bowles’ home they believe attacked her after she encountered him while he allegedly was attempting to steal her Lexus SUV.

On Dec. 13, officers arrested Antonio Brown, 23, after a resident spotted him and contacted the Atlanta Police Department, Mayor Andre Dickens said.

Brown faces multiple charges, including murder, aggravated battery, hijacking a motor vehicle in the first degree, possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a felony, and abuse, neglect or exploitation of a disabled or elderly person.

Police recovered the victim’s car the evening of the slaying.

“She was a kind, precious, funny, loving mother, grandmother, and friend — and so much more,” loved ones noted on GoFundMe of the victim.

The suspect’s family also commented on the murder. “With profound sorrow, we apologize to the Bowles family and offer them our prayers and sincere, heartfelt condolences,” a statement obtained by WXIA-TV reads. “The tragedy visited upon their family, and our relative's involvement is senseless and inexcusable.”