Teen to be Tried in Juvenile Court for MARTA Bus Driver Murder

A 16-year-old charged with the murder of MARTA bus driver Leroy Ramos in January will be prosecuted in DeKalb County Juvenile Court, the District Attorney’s Office announced.

The incident occurred on January 3, 2025, at the Decatur Station, where Ramos, 47, was involved in an argument with three juveniles, ages 16, 16, and 14. The altercation escalated after they exited the bus, and one of the 16-year-olds fatally shot Ramos.

DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston, after reviewing the evidence, including video footage, met with Ramos’ family to explain her decision.

The case will be handled by the office’s SB440 Unit, which specializes in cases involving juvenile suspects. Senate Bill 440 allows for juveniles aged 13 to 16 to be tried as adults in certain serious crimes, including murder. However, the decision to prosecute a juvenile as an adult or in juvenile court rests with the prosecution.

The District Attorney’s Office dismissed charges against the other two teens initially arrested in connection with the case, determining they were not involved in the shooting.

Due to the confidential nature of juvenile court proceedings, the name of the 16-year-old defendant and other case details will not be released to the public. The District Attorney’s Office has stated that this announcement concludes their public communication on the case.