Victim, suspect identified in deadly stabbing on the Atlanta Beltline
Authorities have identified the woman killed in Thursday's stabbing on the Atlanta Beltline and the man accused of the violence.
The Fulton County Medical Examiner confirmed with CBS News Atlanta that the victim is 23-year-old Alyssa Paige.
Officials say Paige was stabbed multiple times around noon on the popular Atlanta trail near the 1700 block of Flanger Avenue NE.
After officers found Paige, medics rushed her to Grady Memorial Hospital. She later died from her wounds.
The stabbing started a citywide manhunt, which ended on Thursday night with the arrest of 21-year-old Jahmare Brown. Investigators say that before the deadly act of violence, Brown assaulted a postal worker with a rock on the 400 block of Plasters Avenue.
Brown is now in custody at the Fulton County Jail, held on charges of murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, and possession of a knife during the commission of a felony.
Authorities have not released any possible motive for the violence, but said that Brown may have been suffering from a mental health crisis.
Jail records show previous criminal history
Records from the Fulton County Jail show a man with the same full name, height, and weight as the suspect had been arrested multiple times in the past two years.
On January 27, 2025, Brown was arrested by the Georgia State University Police Department and charged with loitering and prowling, disorderly conduct, giving false information to law enforcement, and the wilful obstruction. He was released on bond two days later.
In October of that year, deputies with the Fulton County Sheriff's Office arrested Brown for allegedly failing to appear for the previous charges. He was let out for time served.
Brown's next arrest came on Jan. 19, 2026, by MARTA police on a battery charge. In the charging document, officially allege he attacked a woman, "intentionally causing a bloody gash" and "visible bodily harm." He served around two months in jail and was ordered to attend anger management classes and undergo a mental health evaluation.
He waived his appearance before a judge on Friday and is now scheduled to appear in court on June 8.
Beltline users surprised after unusual act of violence
People who use the Beltline said Friday they were shaken after the deadly stabbing, but many also described the violence as unusual for the popular trail.
Runner Jacques Meadows said he was surprised to hear about the attack because of how peaceful the Beltline typically feels during the daytime.
"It was very surprising that something happened like that," said Meadows. "Usually, people just mind their business, go about their day."
Isaiah Arrington said the trail has become an important escape and gathering place for many people living in the area.
"I know that the Beltline is a sanctuary for a lot of people to come and debrief and kind of just you know, relief or get some relief through nature," he said.
Some people CBS News Atlanta spoke with said they would like to see a larger police presence along the trail in the future.
"You do not hear about these things happening too often, but I do think that maybe having a little bit more presence with somebody physically out here can kind of keep those things down to a minimum," Arrington said.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens acknowledged many people are concerned following the attack because of how heavily used the Beltline is every day.
"To have this happen, we know that gives people a little bit of concern or a lot of concern," Dickens said during a Friday press conference.
The mayor also noted the city has "gone a long time without an incident on the Beltline."
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said people should expect to continue seeing officers patrolling the Beltline.
"The beltline is a thriving thoroughfare of our city," Schierbaum said. "Thousands of people on the Beltline every day. It is a very safe place to be."
