In the heart of Midtown Atlanta, a workplace became the scene of a tragedy that cut short the life of Michael Patrick Shinners, a 60-year-old man known for his dedication and professionalism. On August 22, 2022, Shinners, the property manager for the 1280 West condominium building, was fatally shot in the management office where he worked. The incident, which unfolded around 1:45 p.m., also left his colleague, building engineer Mike Horne, wounded.
The events of that day were set in
motion by a disgruntled resident of the condominium building, identified as 34-year-old Raissa Kengne. Kengne, who had expressed grievances against the building's management and a former employer on social media and in a lawsuit, allegedly entered the management office and opened fire. After the shooting at the condominium, Kengne reportedly traveled to another location in Midtown where she shot and killed a second individual, Wesley Freeman, who was her former supervisor at an accounting firm.
A massive manhunt for the suspect ensued, leading to her arrest at the international terminal of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport later that same day. Kengne was subsequently charged with multiple counts, including two counts of murder, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, and illegal weapons charges. In the wake of the violence, residents and colleagues remembered Michael Shinners as a beloved and respected building manager who was dedicated to his community. His family described him as an 'upstanding professional' who, in his final moments, had attempted to help the very person who would take his life.
