In the late afternoon of February 25, 2020, a burst of violence near the East Point MARTA station cut short the life of 18-year-old Demarcus Woodard, an African American male from Atlanta, Georgia. The incident, which unfolded around 4:20 p.m. on Main Street, also resulted in the death of another teenager and left a third individual wounded.
Reports indicate that Woodard was with a group of friends near an elevator at the transit station when a confrontation occurred.
An argument with an unidentified man escalated with shocking speed. The man produced a firearm and opened fire on the group. In the chaotic moments that followed, Woodard was struck by gunfire. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but ultimately succumbed to his injuries. Another young man, 17-year-old J'viontay Woodmore, was also shot and died at the scene.
Demarcus Woodard was a student at Life Christian Academy and had previously attended Tri-Cities High School. He was remembered as a young man with aspirations of playing football at the collegiate level. The sudden and violent nature of his death left his family and community devastated.
In the aftermath of the shooting, East Point police launched an investigation into the deadly encounter. Authorities have explored the possibility that the incident may have been gang-related. Despite public appeals for information and the offer of a reward, no arrests have been made in the case. The individual or individuals responsible for the deaths of Demarcus Woodard and J'viontay Woodmore remain at large. The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to seek answers and bring a measure of closure to the grieving families.
