An innocent bystander lost his life in a senseless act of violence that unfolded on a Wednesday afternoon in Stone Mountain, Georgia. Anthony Cooley, a 42-year-old African American man, was fatally struck by a stray bullet on June 13, 2018, during a shootout between individuals at separate gas stations. The incident occurred just after 1:15 p.m. at the intersection of North Hairston Road and Central Drive, a scene that quickly turned from ordinary to tragic.
Cooley was pronounced dead at the scene, having been caught in a crossfire he had no part in.
The investigation by the DeKalb County Police Department led to the arrest of 19-year-old De'Arius Woods. According to police reports, Woods was at one gas station when someone from another gas station across the street began firing at him. Woods reportedly returned fire, and it was during this exchange that Cooley was shot in the head. Woods was subsequently charged with involuntary manslaughter and was held without bond. Another man was also injured during the shooting, though details about his identity and involvement were not publicly released by the authorities.
The untimely death of Anthony Cooley sent ripples of grief through his family and community. His mother, Margie Thornton, spoke of her sleepless nights, consumed by the thought of her son. Known affectionately as 'Cooley,' his sister Shante remembered him as a beloved figure who was the 'news' of the neighborhood, always sharing stories and jokes. In the wake of their devastating loss, the family held a vigil to honor his memory and set up a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral expenses. Despite their pain, the Cooley family, devout Christians, expressed a sentiment of forgiveness towards the young man charged in connection with the death, while also making a heartfelt plea for an end to the violence that claimed their loved one's life.
