ATLANTA – Police released new evidence that was recovered following the fatal robbery at Barcelona Wine Bar last week.
On Wednesday, investigators increased the reward for information on the suspects from $7,000 to $20,000. They hope the new information released will help catch the ones responsible.
In the early morning hours of Nov. 19, police said a trio of robbers entered the Barcelona Wine Bar on Howell Mill Road as employees were closing and demanded money. Police said they forced 29-year-old Chelsea Beller upstairs to open the safe.
She complied, but one of the suspects shot her in the shoulder, anyway. She was taken to the hospital but later died.
“This has been about the worst crime I have seen that was captured by a video or surveillance camera,” Atlanta Police Major Adam Lee said.
Police recovered a black hoodie that was found in an area near Georgia Tech. In a press conference, Major Lee revealed the hoodie has a large ‘88’ on the front and ‘S’ on each sleeve. Police said the hoodie is made by retailer Switch and called “#88 Men’s Swagger.”
Major Lee said the suspect was also wearing camouflage pants and light blue sneakers.
“We believe this individual was definitely complacent in the robbery and murder of Miss Chelsea Beller,” Lee said.
Police are seeking him along with two other individuals.
Major Lee revealed that after the robbery, the suspect car-jacked a Lyft driver and fled down 14th Street. A Georgia Tech police officer noticed the car’s headlights were off and made a U-turn to perform a traffic stop. Lee said that’s when the suspects turned off 14th Street believing they might be pursued.
That area is where police found the abandoned car and items spread throughout including clothing, latex gloves, and masks.
Police also found blood at the scene and believe one of the suspects sustained a significant injury when climbing over a razor wire fence.
Major Lee ended the press conference by saying the holiday season will not influence the department’s investigation.
”We want the family [of Baller] to know we're not taking off. We are going to follow this throughout the Christmas holiday,” Lee said. “Whatever it takes we're going to get this case solved as soon as possible.”
Lee said if you have seen anyone wearing the Switch #88 sweatshirt prior to Nov. 19, you are asked to call 911 or leave an anonymous tip at 404-577-TIPS (8477).
You can watch the full press conference below:
