Tragic Shooting at Bixby Kennesaw Apartments Claims Life of Jalen Parker, Injures Suspect’s Mother
Kennesaw, GA – June 23, 2025
Kennesaw, GA – A devastating act of violence shattered the quiet of a Kennesaw neighborhood Sunday night, leaving 24-year-old Jalen Parker dead and another woman injured after a shooting at an off-campus student apartment complex near Kennesaw State University. Cobb County Police have confirmed one person is in custody and an investigation remains ongoing.
The shooting took place around 10:30 p.m. at The Bixby Kennesaw apartments on the 3000 block of George Busbee Parkway, located just across from Fifth Third Stadium and a short distance from the KSU campus. When officers arrived, they discovered 40-year-old Antoinette Hammonds, the mother of the alleged shooter, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in the parking lot. A second victim, later identified as Jalen Parker, was found inside an apartment unit with a critical gunshot injury. Despite emergency efforts, Parker was pronounced dead at the scene.
Incident Details
Investigators believe that the suspect, 22-year-old Anthony Lockett, was involved in a dispute inside the apartment earlier in the evening. He reportedly left the premises and returned with his mother and others before the situation escalated into gunfire. According to police, Lockett opened fire during the confrontation, fatally striking Jalen Parker. During the ensuing chaos, Hammonds was also wounded—possibly caught in the crossfire.
Hammonds was transported to Kennestone Hospital, where she remains in stable condition.
Arrest and Charges
Anthony Lockett was apprehended at the scene and is facing several charges, including:
- Felony Murder
- Aggravated Assault
Officials have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges as the investigation continues.
A Community in Mourning
The death of Jalen Parker, described by family and friends as ambitious, kind-hearted, and full of life, has left the community reeling. Jalen had deep ties to the area and was known for his generous spirit, quick wit, and unwavering support for those around him.
“Jalen was someone who made people feel seen,” said a friend and former classmate. “His presence was a blessing in our lives, and losing him like this is beyond painful.”
Social media has since been flooded with tributes and messages of grief, as people across Kennesaw mourn the loss of a young man whose future was full of promise.
University and Police Response
While the incident did not take place on university grounds, Kennesaw State University officials issued a statement Monday, expressing sympathy for those affected and offering counseling services to students and faculty in need of support.
The Cobb County Police Department emphasized that the shooting appeared to be an isolated, domestic-related incident, and that there is no continued threat to public safety. Investigators continue to collect evidence and are encouraging anyone with relevant information or video footage from the area to come forward.
Remembering Jalen Parker
As the community struggles to come to terms with this tragedy, loved ones of Jalen Parker are holding onto the memory of a young man who left an indelible mark on their lives.
“He had a way of lighting up a room, just by walking into it,” one relative shared. “Jalen wasn’t just family—he was the heart of our family. This loss is immeasurable.”
A memorial is expected to be held in the coming days, with details to be shared publicly. In the meantime, friends, family, and neighbors are united in grief and remembrance, honoring Jalen’s life and the joy he brought to those around him.
Rest in peace, Jalen Parker. Your light will live on in every heart you touched.