Nationwide — Tony Matthews, a 48-year-old African American father from DeKalb County, Georgia, died six days after being shot outdoors a Kroger in Brookhaven alongside Peachtree Highway. Police say he was amongst a number of victims in a collection of random shootings.
Relations mentioned they first noticed stories concerning the Brookhaven taking pictures however didn’t understand Matthews was the sufferer. As a result of he had no identification on him, officers couldn’t establish him on the scene and initially thought he could have been homeless whereas sleeping outdoors the shop, despite the fact that he had a spouse and a child at dwelling.
In keeping with 11Alive, his family mentioned they solely discovered the reality days later when hospital workers confirmed Matthews had been admitted with crucial accidents. He remained in intensive care as docs labored to stabilize his situation.
His brother, Michael, mentioned the second he noticed him within the hospital was painful and exhausting to course of. He mentioned, “It was horrific. I’m nonetheless attempting to deal with it. I simply don’t perceive the mannerism of the one that did that. What’s going on on this world that individuals are taking random pictures at individuals? I simply can’t perceive that.”
Relations mentioned Matthews briefly confirmed indicators of enchancment and was capable of talk with out talking. His situation later declined, and he died six days after the taking pictures.
Family members described Matthews as a faithful husband and father. He’s survived by his spouse and their 10-month-old daughter. Additionally they mentioned he had begun the method of adopting his spouse’s three different kids and handled them as his personal.
Police linked the taking pictures to 26-year-old Olaolukitan Adon Abel, who they are saying carried out a number of shootings throughout DeKalb County inside hours. The assaults additionally left two girls lifeless, together with one close to a Checkers restaurant and one other whereas strolling her canine, in what investigators described as random acts of violence.
The household has launched a GoFundMe to assist cowl bills as they mourn the lack of a husband and father.
