In the early evening of June 1, 2017, the life of 26-year-old Travis Ridley of Atlanta, Georgia, was cut short by gunfire. The fatal encounter took place on the third floor of the Avana Uptown apartment complex on Clairmont Road in Brookhaven. Responding to a 'person shot' call, Brookhaven police discovered Ridley and immediately began administering first aid.
Despite their efforts and his subsequent transport to Grady Memorial Hospital, Ridley succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds.
Investigators quickly suspected the shooting was not a random act of violence, suggesting that 'drug activity' may have played a significant role. It was believed that neither Ridley nor his assailant or assailants were residents of the apartment complex. A firearm, thought to belong to Ridley, was recovered at the scene. Initially, it was considered that the shooter might have fired after Ridley had drawn his own weapon, though this remained unconfirmed. A witness reported hearing eight gunshots, followed by the sound of running and tires squealing as someone fled the scene.
The investigation into Ridley's death led to the identification of two suspects: Abel Ashmelash, 27, of Stone Mountain, and Edward Tavarez, 24, of Norcross. Warrants issued in the case alleged that Ridley was at the apartment complex with a friend to purchase a large quantity of marijuana for $26,000. During the course of this transaction, Ashmelash and Tavarez allegedly robbed and shot Ridley. Both men were subsequently arrested and charged with murder and armed robbery. They were taken into custody and held at the DeKalb County jail.
