UPDATE: The AJC has a new, more detailed story on the case this morning, with more neighbor accounts and mention of DeToma’s Sr.’s court appearance yesterday afternoon.  Articles about the murder of Gary DeToma Jr. have been hovering among the most popular posts all week on the Atlanta paper’s website, so expect them to stay on top of this story for a while.

A few commenters reported yesterday that a fund had been set up at Decatur First Bank for Gary DeToma Jr.  Here are the details…

A fund has been set up to help the family with expenses. Here is the information:

Decatur First Bank

Gary DeToma Jr Fund

The bank is accepting cash and/or checks-checks should be made out to the Gary DeToma Jr. Fund.

Donations can be made at the bank or mailed–The mailing address is 1120 Commerce Dr. Decatur, Ga. 30030 or 720 Commerce Dr. Decatur, Ga. 30030

In related news, the principal of College Heights ECLC sent out an letter to parents yesterday, which mentions the fund and provides a couple new details of the timeline for Gary Jr.’s funeral and the condition of his brother.

Chief Booker sends in this sad story and call for help…

I haven’t blogged in a while but I just wanted to share with our community a terrible event that occurred last Sunday night (May 16) . Decatur Police Officer Amy Hall’s house was completely lost due to a fire. She and her family lost everything but no one was injured. She was able to retrieve all but one of her pets from inside. She was in the process of packing her belongings from her residence in Walton County and relocating here in the City of Decatur. She has spoken at many events here in the city including at our Citizens Public Safety graduation.

We have set up an account in her name at the Decatur First Bank with the help of Judy Turner and Ann Berg. Officer Hall is a great police officer but more importantly she is a great person. Please think about her and her family during this stressful time in her life. Thanks for allowing me to share this with you all.

Sincerely, Chief Booker

This past Saturday, “Our Way Cafe” in the Avondale Estates’ Twin Oaks strip mall on E. College Avenue suffered damage from a fire caused by a clothes dryer motor.  Tweets from @stacyreno and @danayoung, sent Dave and Geoff to the scene where they documented the damage.

While initial eyewitness accounts reported minimal damage, Dave followed up yesterday with news that the “kitchen and walk-in areas were destroyed and smoke damage throughout.”

Dave also reported yesterday that a “fire recovery fund” had been opened at Decatur First Bank.  Here are the details from Rob Elrod…

We have set up a Fund for Ava Marie’s Our Way at Decatur First.

Please ask folks to make checks payable to: Our Way Cafe Recovery Fund with an ATTN: Ms. Ann Berg on the checks. The checks can be sent to the bank at 1120 Commerce Drive, Decatur, GA 30030.

Dave Kell tweeted earlier that the Decatur First Bank branch at the “lil’ Kroger” on Commerce Drive had been robbed around 5p this evening.

Deputy Chief Keith Lee was quick to respond to my inquiry with details and news that the perps have already been arrested.

We were notified of an armed robbery of the Decatur First Bank branch at Kroger this afternoon. Two suspects were stopped a few minutes later on Church Street. Evidence recovered during the stop established probable cause the two suspects were involved in the robbery. Both suspects are in custody at this time and the investigation is continuing.

Hats-off to DPD!!!

Diane forwards this note from Winnona Park Elementary School Principal Greg Wiseman…

Over the holidays, a Winnona Park student lost his mother. Robin Griggs, mother of second grader David, tragically died of a brain aneurism on December 22. The family members that are taking care of David and his older siblings have stated that they would welcome donations at this time to help with remaining expenses and care for the children. At this time, the Griggs Student Fund has been set up for this purpose. Donations can be made to:

• The Griggs Student Fund
• Decatur First Bank
• 1120 Commerce Dr.
• Decatur, GA 30030
• Attn: Ann Berg
• Ph: 404-373-6549

We’d prefer donations be made directly to the bank, but if it is easier to bring donations to school (check only please) we will accept them here.

Thank you.

Thank you for your consideration.