Gwinnett Daily Post

LAWRENCEVILLE -- Gwinnett County police believe they have arrested the man who shot and killed Timothy Kemp outside a Norcross apartment complex in July, new tips leading them to the suspect and a potential motive.

Justo Luis Alonzo, 29, was arrested earlier this week on charges of murder, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and attempt to commit armed robbery. Police now believe Kemp's death was a botched robbery, spokesman Cpl. Jake Smith said.

The family of the victim -- who was found dead outside the Harbin Springs apartments on July 25 -- held a press conference on Aug. 1, pleading with the public to come forward with any information. That "didn't really generate much," Smith said, but recent tips lead investigators toward Alonzo.

"I don't know what technically qualifies as a 'cold' case," Smith said, "but it's been a 'cool' case for quite a while."

Smith would not elaborate on the nature or source of the tips. He did say, though, that police believe Kemp was a random victim of an attempted armed robbery.

Investigators are now looking into the possibility of other suspects being involved, Smith said.

When Alonzo was arrested Tuesday, he already had outstanding warrants for theft by taking, criminal trespass and driving on a suspended license. Gwinnett County jail records showed he had been arrested six previous times, including a 2008 arrest charging him possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute.

He is being held without bond.