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Description
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Ronald Lupez Freeman: A Detailed Account of His Crimes

Overview

Ronald Lupez Freeman, born in 1971, embarked on a violent crime spree in Cobb County, Georgia, between January and March 1992. His actions resulted in the deaths of four individuals and left a lasting impact on the community.

Victims

  • Rakesh K. Patel, 25 years old, was shot on January 20, 1992, at the RK Food Store on Franklin Road in Marietta. He succumbed to his injuries the following day.
  • Terri Waddell, 25 years old, was killed on January 24, 1992, at a convenience store on Six Flags Drive in south Cobb. Her 4-year-old daughter witnessed the tragic event.
  • Charles "Chet" Planchard III, 16 years old, was murdered on March 21, 1992, while working at a Burger King on Powers Ferry Road in east Cobb.
  • Al-Tariq Shaheed, 22 years old, was attacked on March 31, 1992, at the Colonial Oaks Apartments on Franklin Road in Marietta. He remained in a coma for about five years before passing away due to his injuries.

Details of the Crimes

Freeman's series of crimes began on January 20, 1992, when he entered the RK Food Store in Marietta and shot the owner, Rakesh K. Patel, in the head. Approximately $10,000 was stolen during this robbery. Patel died the next day after being taken off life support. Just four days later, on January 24, Freeman targeted a convenience store on Six Flags Drive, where he shot and killed the manager, Terri Waddell, in front of her young daughter. The assailant fled with about $14. On March 21, Freeman entered a Burger King on Powers Ferry Road, ordered food, and, as 16-year-old employee Charles Planchard opened the register, shot him in the chest, stealing approximately $325. The crime spree culminated on March 31, when Freeman shot his roommates at the Colonial Oaks Apartments. While two women survived, 22-year-old Al-Tariq Shaheed was shot in the neck and later died after remaining comatose for years. ...Read More
Victims
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Confirmed Victims: (4)
  • Rakesh K. Patel Age: (25), Date of Death: January 20, 1992
  •     ...View 3 additional victims
    Killer's Details

    Ronald Lupez

    Freeman

    1971 (age 52–53) Cobb County, Georgia, United States

    Male

    Black

    Murder

    Life imprisonment

    4

    January - March 1992

    Georgia

    Marietta

    April 1, 1992

    07/03/2025