Javare “Bam” Shakir-Fulford, a 21-year-old male, was fatally shot on the afternoon of Sunday, February 25, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia. The incident occurred near a RaceTrac convenience store located at 120 Piedmont Avenue, in close proximity to the Georgia State University campus. When officers arrived at the scene around 12:45 p.m., they discovered Shakir-Fulford with several gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
At the time of his death, Javare was a young father.
The area where the shooting took place had been plagued by a series of violent crimes, which had raised significant public safety concerns. In the wake of Shakir-Fulford's death, and following discussions between RaceTrac officials, Georgia State University's president, and local police, the company made the decision to permanently close that location. This decision was influenced by the history of violence at the gas station, including another fatal shooting that had occurred months prior.
The investigation into Javare Shakir-Fulford's homicide is ongoing, and as of the latest reports, no arrests have been made. The Atlanta Police Department has been actively seeking help from the public to identify those involved. Investigators have released surveillance video and images of a potential suspect and a person of interest. More recently, in September 2024, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation assisted by creating and releasing a sketch of the suspected shooter, who was described as wearing a black jacket. Police are also working to identify two persons of interest: a woman in a blue sweatshirt and a man in a red sweatshirt. To encourage witnesses to come forward with information, a reward of up to $5,000 has been offered for tips that lead to the identification of the suspect and person of interest. The Atlanta Police Department's Homicide Unit continues to urge anyone with information to contact them directly or to submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers Atlanta.
