In the late hours of a December night in Atlanta, Georgia, the life of 19-year-old Daren Monte VanArsdale II was tragically cut short. A Black/African American male, he was found lying face down in the grass in the 2600 block of Washington Avenue in the northwest part of the city on December 29, 2024. Responding to a 'person down' call at approximately 11:30 p.m., police discovered that VanArsdale had sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
He was rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital, but succumbed to his injuries.
Known to his loved ones as 'Monte,' he was remembered for his outsized, joyful presence. A 2024 graduate of Westlake High School, he had ambitions of becoming a personal trainer and was passionate about working out and everything related to the gym. Described as having the heart of a lion, he was known for pushing those around him to be better. His family remembered him as an extraordinary individual whose light shone brightly on everyone he met, leaving them feeling better than he found them.
The investigation into Daren Monte VanArsdale II's death is ongoing. As of the latest available public reports, authorities have not announced any arrests in connection with the shooting, nor have they publicly identified any suspects. The motive for the killing has not been released, and details about what led to the incident remain undisclosed as the investigation continues. His case was noted as Atlanta's final homicide of 2024.
