In the early morning hours of April 20, 2023, the life of 19-year-old Jalen Curtis, a Black male, was tragically cut short in Atlanta, Georgia. Curtis, remembered by his aunt as a hard worker, was with individuals who planned to break into and steal cars. Witnesses reported that Curtis and another individual, Rodreiko Russell, left an apartment complex on Abner Terrace with the stated intention of 'striking,' a slang term for car theft.
The situation escalated into violence, and what
exactly transpired remains a subject of the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings. However, it is known that two fatal shootings occurred within a close timeframe and proximity, which the police believe are connected. The first incident resulted in the death of 27-year-old Korri Jackson on Main Street. Shortly after, a second shooting was reported at the Flipper Temple Apartments on Abner Terrace, where Jalen Curtis was found with gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that a stolen black Kia Optima was present at both shooting scenes. Video evidence later showed three males exiting the vehicle at the Abner Terrace apartment complex, placing Curtis on the ground, and attempting to get help from residents before fleeing the scene.
The Atlanta Police Department identified three suspects in connection with the double homicide: Johnkevious Anderson, Kmauri Burnett, and Rodreiko Russell. In June 2023, Anderson was apprehended during a traffic stop. He later pleaded guilty to his involvement in the crimes and was sentenced to life in prison. In December 2025, Kmauri Burnett was arrested by U.S. Marshals in Duluth, Minnesota, and is awaiting extradition to Atlanta to face charges including murder. The third suspect, Rodreiko Russell, remains at large. An investigation of Curtis's social media revealed a group chat where Burnett allegedly admitted to taking Curtis's phone after he was shot and stated that Curtis was not breathing when they left him.
