In the early hours of Saturday, August 1, 2026, a burst of gunfire shattered the quiet of the Oakland City neighborhood in southwest Atlanta, leaving one man dead and another wounded. The deceased was identified as 33-year-old Kenderrick Varner. The shooting took place just after midnight in the 1000 block of Lawton Avenue SW. When Atlanta Police Department officers arrived at the scene, they discovered two men suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel pronounced Varner dead at the location. The second victim was found to be alert and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of his injuries.
Investigators quickly identified a suspect in the fatal shooting. Robert Varner, 64, was arrested in connection with the incident. He was subsequently charged with murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Authorities have not yet released a motive for the shooting or clarified the relationship, if any, between the suspect and the victims. As of the days immediately following the shooting, Robert Varner was being held at the Fulton County Jail.
The investigation into the shooting that claimed the life of Kenderrick Varner is ongoing. While an arrest has been made and charges have been filed, the case is still in its early stages. Details regarding what led to the gunfire have not been made public by law enforcement. The second victim, who was hospitalized, was reported to be conscious and breathing after the incident, but further updates on his condition have not been widely circulated. The case will now proceed through the criminal justice system, where the charges against Robert Varner will be adjudicated.
