CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — Police Searching for Gunman After Fatal Shooting at Busy Clayton County Shopping Center
CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — A sense of grief and urgency has descended on Clayton County after a deadly shooting rocked a bustling shopping center Tuesday night. Authorities say one person was killed shortly after 8:30 p.m. in the plaza located at 10375 Tara Boulevard near Jonesboro—a well-traveled commercial strip home to a Kroger grocery store, fast food restaurants, and local businesses.
Clayton County Police were called to the scene following reports of gunfire erupting in the area. Officers arrived to find the victim lying on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite efforts from first responders, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Their identity and age have not yet been released pending family notification.
The shopping plaza was quickly cordoned off with yellow police tape, and law enforcement personnel began canvassing the area, collecting evidence, and speaking to witnesses. Shoppers and employees were left stunned and shaken by the violence that erupted in such a heavily trafficked location.
Eyewitness Accounts
Among those present during the terrifying ordeal was Marquita Jones, a bystander who witnessed the immediate aftermath of the shooting. Speaking to Channel 2 Action News, Jones recounted the heart-wrenching scene.
“It’s hurtful, it’s painful,” she said. “You got to pray for the kid, for the mom. It was so sad to see her cry.”
Jones, like many others in the area, is struggling to process the violence that occurred in what’s normally a familiar and frequented part of town. Her account underscores the emotional toll the tragedy has taken—not just on the victim’s family, but on the entire community.
Investigation Underway
As of Wednesday morning, the suspect remains at large, and police have not released a description. Investigators have not yet disclosed a possible motive or what may have led up to the shooting. Surveillance footage from surrounding businesses is being reviewed, and detectives are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.
Clayton County Police have not confirmed whether the incident was targeted or random, but detectives are working diligently to piece together the timeline of events.
“This remains an active and ongoing investigation,” a police spokesperson stated. “We are following leads and working to identify and locate the individual responsible.”
The plaza, which typically buzzes with shoppers in the evening, has become a crime scene marked by flashing lights, shell casings, and unanswered questions.
A Community in Mourning
The fatal shooting has left residents of Clayton County not only grieving a life lost but also grappling with the unsettling reality of violence in public spaces.
“I come here all the time,” said one local shopper, who asked to remain anonymous. “It could’ve been any one of us. This is supposed to be a safe place.”
In response to the incident, several community members are calling for increased security measures in commercial zones and more community-based efforts to address conflict before it escalates into violence.
Clayton County officials are also urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Additional patrols may be dispatched to the area in the coming days to reassure residents and support the investigation.
What’s Next
Authorities are asking anyone who was in the area around the time of the shooting or who may have cell phone footage or knowledge of the suspect to contact the Clayton County Police Department immediately.
While the victim’s name has not been released, the heartbreak felt by those who witnessed the tragedy is unmistakable. Another life lost, another family torn apart—leaving a community once again searching for peace and justice.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the Clayton County Police Department or Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta at 404-577-TIPS (8477). Anonymous tips are welcome, and a reward may be available for information leading to an arrest.