Man cleared in police deaths; 3 arrested

One man arrested in the killings of two police officers was cleared Friday of involvement, and a fourth man is in custody, authorities said.

DeKalb County police said Deanthius Jamal Johnson, 28, was expected to be released Friday, a day after he had been arrested on two counts of murder based on tips from the public that he had been at the murder scene.

"It was determined this was not factual information," according to the police statement.

Officers Ricky Bryant Jr., 26, and Eric Barker, 33, were killed early Wednesday in a parking lot at the Glenwood Gardens apartment complex in Atlanta's eastern suburbs. The officers were wearing their police uniforms and had been hired as part-time security to prevent break-ins.

Residents say drugs, prostitution and gunfire are common at the apartment complex.

On Friday, police arrested William Maurice Woodward, 26, and Mario O'Brian Westbrook, 31, on warrants charging them with two counts of murder. The same charges were filed against Herbie DeShawn Durham, 32, who was arrested Wednesday.

Police have not released a motive for the killings and have declined to say if there are other suspects.

Woodward's first court appearance was expected Friday evening, police spokeswoman Mekka Parrish said. She did not have additional information on where the arrested men lived or whether they were represented by attorneys.

(This version CORRECTS suspect's name to Woodward, sted Woodard)