Police: Pharmacy intern staged his death as murder

Gwinnett County investigators determined the death of a missing Publix pharmacy intern who was found in Lake Carlton was a suicide and that the intern allegedly staged evidence to make his death seem like a homicide.

Alvin Ahmed was last seen on security video buying groceries and putting them in his car at the Publix at which he works on the night of July 16. The next day, his car was found abandoned and unlocked in the parking lot, groceries still inside.

On the night of Wednesday, July 18 multiple agencies responded to Lake Carlton after receiving reports of someone floating in the water. Using DNA evidence, officials identified the body as Ahmed.

On Wednesday, Aug. 8, officials released new information that indicated Ahmed "staged certain elements of the case to cast suspicion that he had been murdered," police said.

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Police said the note included details of a story Ahmed told family and coworkers about an encounter where "suspicious persons" asked him about his watch, car, and the amount of money he made. The note also included a list of groceries that Ahmed bought at the Publix the night he went missing and how his car was left in the parking lot.

Officials also said the note contained information about how Ahmed planned to turn off and discard his phone and watch and go to Lake Carlton.

Later examinations of security video also saw an individual matching the intern's description walking alone near the Atmosphere Bar and Grill of the 500 block of Athens Highway, where Ahmed planned to get rid of his phone and watch, police said. Another private home security camera later saw someone matching his description on Lake Carlton Road.

The family has asked for privacy at this time.