In the small city of Commerce, Georgia, 72-year-old Calvin Varnum, a beloved local figure, was a familiar and welcome sight. Known for his friendly waves and warm smiles, he would often spend his mornings at the local Hardee's, greeting friends and strangers alike. His comforting presence was a staple of the community, a gentle rhythm in the daily lives of its residents.
Tragically, this peaceful routine was shattered on the morning of Sunday, May 21, 2023.
On that day, at approximately 7:30 a.m., as Varnum stood outside the Hardee's on Homer Road, a dark blue Dodge Journey approached. Surveillance footage captured the vehicle circling the parking lot before stopping near him. Following a brief exchange of words, shots were fired from the vehicle, striking Varnum multiple times. The vehicle then sped away, leaving a scene of shock and horror. A bystander rushed to his aid, successfully resuscitating him before emergency services arrived. Varnum was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center, but he succumbed to his injuries a short time later. The community was left reeling from the sudden and senseless act of violence that had claimed the life of one of their own.
The Commerce Police Department, with the assistance of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, launched an immediate and intensive investigation. Within a day, authorities identified 23-year-old Xavier Clark as a person of interest. He was located and arrested late on the evening of May 22, initially on an unrelated warrant. The investigation, however, quickly led to more serious charges in connection with Varnum's death.
Xavier Clark was subsequently charged with a litany of offenses, including felony murder, malice murder, and aggravated assault. The investigation also revealed that two children were present inside the Hardee's at the time of the shooting, leading to two counts of second-degree cruelty to children against Clark. While a motive for the shooting has not been publicly disclosed, the tragic event has left a permanent scar on the community of Commerce, which came together to mourn the loss of a man described as a sweet and harmless soul. A makeshift memorial of flowers and messages grew outside the Hardee's, a testament to the man whose simple acts of kindness had touched so many.
