In the quiet suburbs of Austell, Georgia, the life of Roennell Demetrius Cherry, a 45-year-old man, was tragically cut short on the evening of February 17, 2022. Known affectionately as 'Meat' because his middle name was a bit too long, and 'Meechie' to his loved ones, he was a devoted father of three, having welcomed his youngest son just three months prior to his death.
Cherry was a well-regarded barber with a passion for his craft, especially known for his patience and kindness towards the children who sat in his chair, even keeping a candy station for them.
The fatal incident unfolded at a residence in Austell, where Cherry was shot in the torso and leg during what authorities have described as an attempted robbery. The attack happened around 9:40 p.m., leaving a community in mourning and a family heartbroken. Those close to him remembered him as a man full of life and energy, a hard-working individual dedicated to his family and his profession. In the wake of his death, friends and family gathered for a balloon release in his honor, with red and black balloons symbolizing his support for the Atlanta Falcons and the Georgia Bulldogs.
The investigation into Cherry's death led to the arrest of 27-year-old Talmadge Leroy Roberson of Smyrna just a week later. Roberson, who had been released from prison in July of the previous year after serving time for aggravated assault and home invasion, was taken into custody and held at the Cobb County jail. Investigators have not publicly stated whether Cherry and Roberson knew each other prior to the deadly encounter.
In May 2022, a Cobb County grand jury indicted Roberson on eight charges, including malice murder, felony murder, armed robbery, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He is being held without bond as he awaits legal proceedings. The community continues to remember Roennell Cherry as a beloved father and a cherished member of his community, whose life was violently and senselessly taken.
