Alexis “Nicole” Wallace, 30, died Oct. 14 at the entrance to her subdivision on Phillips Road.
LITHONIA, Ga. — A 30-year-old DeKalb County woman was killed Oct. 14 when a car traveling well above the 25 mph limit slammed into her vehicle as she pulled onto Phillips Road near Lithonia High School, according to her family.
The death of Alexis “Nicole” Wallace has renewed neighborhood concerns about speeding near school zones and residential entrances in southeast DeKalb. Family members say they have asked investigators for updates and want added enforcement or physical changes to slow traffic where Wallace was hit while leaving for work. The case arrives during a holiday week that has heightened attention on crash risks and as residents recall other recent fatalities on county corridors. Authorities have not publicly announced any charges tied to the collision.
Relatives said Wallace was turning out of her subdivision when another vehicle struck the driver’s side, causing catastrophic damage. The crash happened along Phillips Road by the Lithonia High campus. Lula Wallace, the victim’s mother, said she was told skid marks indicated a speed above 85 mph in a 25 mph zone. “She was hit and T-boned,” Lula Wallace said, describing a violent impact that left the family reeling. Wallace was heading to work that morning and, relatives said, was a reliable early-shift employee.
Police have not released the other driver’s name, and the department has not stated whether impairment or distraction was suspected. Officials typically analyze roadway evidence, event data recorders and witness accounts before presenting findings to prosecutors. Family members said they have been in contact with investigators but have not received a timetable for a charging decision. The collision’s exact time was not disclosed by authorities; family accounts place it during the morning commute outside the neighborhood entrance across from the school.
Residents near the high school say drivers use Phillips Road to skirt congestion on nearby arterials, contributing to bursts of high speed through the school zone and subdivision access points. In public discussions this year, safety advocates have pointed to fatality clusters along DeKalb corridors and urged more speed management near bus stops and school approaches. Neighbors by the Lithonia campus described near-misses at the same entrance in recent months and have asked the county for flashing signs and patrols.
Investigators are expected to complete reports and forward them to prosecutors for review. If charges are filed, authorities would announce counts and any initial court dates. The family said they are also pursuing talks with local officials about traffic calming. As of Friday, no hearings were scheduled and no citations had been announced. Officials said the inquiry remains active.
On Thanksgiving week, relatives shared photos of Wallace and spoke about plans she made to travel to see family, saying an empty chair marked the holiday. “Something has to be done. Her death can’t be in vain,” her mother said. Neighbors placed flowers near the subdivision entrance; drivers slowed briefly as they passed the school-zone sign before accelerating along the curve.
As of Friday, the investigation remained open and the family awaited a formal update from DeKalb County police on potential charges and any steps to address speeding on Phillips Road.
Author note: Last updated November 28, 2025.