A peaceful morning at Perkerson Park turned into a crime scene on Saturday, June 14, when the body of 57-year-old Tina Hatchet was discovered by an Atlanta police officer during a routine patrol. What began as a routine investigation soon evolved into a major homicide case, shaking the local community and prompting urgent questions about safety and accountability.
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Body Found in Perkerson Park Sparks Murder Investigation
Hatchet’s body was found lying near a footpath in Perkerson Park, located off Deckner Avenue in the Capital View neighborhood, south of downtown Atlanta. The officer initially believed it to be a medical emergency, but it quickly became clear that a deeper investigation was needed.
Detectives, forensic teams, and crime scene investigators were immediately deployed. Surveillance footage from the area proved pivotal—showing a blue SUV entering the park, a man exiting the driver’s seat, opening the passenger door, and dumping what appeared to be a body before driving off.
Suspect Identified and Arrested: Steven Semans
The suspect, 45-year-old Steven Semans, was identified from the surveillance footage and quickly tracked by investigators. The blue SUV was later spotted heading south along Fulton Industrial Boulevard, where police managed to stop and detain Semans without incident.
Under interrogation, Semans admitted that Hatchet had entered his vehicle near West End Mall late Friday night. According to him, she became unresponsive shortly afterward. Rather than calling for medical help, Semans chose to dump her body in Perkerson Park, abandoning her without notifying anyone—an action police described as “a disturbing disregard for human life.”
Attempt to Cover Up the Crime
After abandoning Tina Hatchet’s body, Semans drove to Emory University, where he worked as a custodian. There, he disposed of her clothes and personal belongings in a dumpster on Clifton Road in an attempt to cover his tracks.
Emory University has since confirmed his employment and stated that he was terminated immediately after his arrest. The university expressed its condolences to the victim’s family and pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
Medical Examiner Working to Determine Cause of Death
The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office is currently working to determine the exact cause and manner of Hatchet’s death. As of now, no official autopsy results have been released, but authorities continue to treat the case as a criminal investigation.
Community Mourns and Demands Justice
Tina Hatchet’s family is devastated by her sudden and violent death. Loved ones describe her as a caring mother, sister, and friend—a woman whose life was cut tragically short.
The residents of the area, especially those who frequent Perkerson Park, are shaken. Once considered a peaceful gathering space for families, the park is now linked to a deeply disturbing event. Many are calling for increased security measures and a renewed focus on community safety.
Public Safety and Cooperation Urged
Atlanta police are urging anyone with additional information about the case to come forward. Investigators believe there may be more witnesses or evidence that could help piece together the full timeline of events.
“Even the smallest detail could help us uncover the truth,” said an APD spokesperson.
Conclusion: A City in Grief, A Family Seeking Justice
The tragic death of Tina Hatchet has left a lasting scar on both her family and the Atlanta community. As the investigation continues, people are left grappling with grief, anger, and unanswered questions.
While the legal process unfolds, her family and the public hold onto hope that justice will be served and that meaningful changes will be made to prevent similar tragedies.
Tina will be remembered for the life she lived, not the way it ended. Her memory lives on in those who loved her, and her story serves as a somber reminder of the need for compassion, safety, and community vigilance.
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