A shooting took place in Marietta, Georgia, on January 3, 2024, transforming what should have been a festive day into a horrifying crime scene.
Kenneth Cunningham, a 40-year-old local, was fatally shot outside his residence in The Harlow complex, located near the busy junction of Cobb Parkway and Windy Hill Road.
Donovan Carter, a 33-year-old man from Gwinnett County, Georgia, has been taken into custody. He is now facing several serious charges, including murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and unlawful possession of a firearm during a criminal act.
The incident was characterized as a carefully orchestrated and premeditated attack by the Marietta Police Department, as announced by Public Information Officer Chuck McPhilamy.
Cunningham, who was dating Carter’s former girlfriend, was drawn out of his apartment, purportedly to receive a package delivery from Carter, who was wearing a uniform.
On the day of his 40th birthday, a day Cunningham planned to spend with loved ones who had journeyed from Chicago, his life was abruptly ended. Witnesses reported a tall, slender male swiftly leaving the scene immediately after the shooting, which involved multiple shots.
The rapid response and effective coordination of the Marietta Police Department with several other law enforcement bodies, including the Cobb County 911 Center, Cobb County Police Department, Smyrna Police Department, Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, and the Gwinnett County Police Department, played a significant role in Carter’s quick apprehension in Gwinnett County.
The untimely death of Cunningham has deeply impacted his family and local community. His aunt, Daphne Bell, recalled him as a gentle and humorous man who had a knack for making people laugh with his jokes and impressions. His shocked neighbors and friends have extended prayers for the grieving family.
Investigation into the incident revealed that Carter intentionally traveled over an hour to Cunningham’s location, disguised as a delivery driver. This deliberate act allowed him to confront and fatally shoot Cunningham multiple times outside his residence.
The investigation by the Marietta Police Department continues in their pursuit of justice for Kenneth Cunningham and his bereaved family. While a romantic dispute is suspected to be the motive behind the murder, authorities have clarified that Carter’s ex-girlfriend was not involved in the incident.
