The shooting death of a 25-year-old Marietta middle school teacher near Underground Atlanta early Sunday has left the school district and his students rattled.
Atlanta police found Jason Ogbomoh near 81 Peachtree Street with multiple gunshot wounds around 3 a.m., officials said. The area is a short distance from Underground and directly across from Woodruff Park in downtown.
Ogbomoh was rushed to a hospital in critical condition but did not survive, police said. Officers at the scene told Channel 2 Action News that a fight appeared to have preceded the gunfire, and the shooter ran away.
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Speaking to Channel 2 outside the school Monday, Marietta Middle School Principal Diona Brown said, “Mr. O, as he was affectionately known to the students,” was an incredible person and the type of teacher every parent would want their child to have.
She broke the news to parents Sunday night in an email obtained by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
“I’m heartbroken to write to you tonight to share that (Marietta Middle School) has experienced a profound loss,” she wrote.
Ogbomoh taught computer science for two years and was not just a teacher, but a “mentor, role model and source of inspiration,” Brown wrote.
“His passion for teaching was clear in every lesson; his commitment to our students unwavering,” she added. “His ability to connect with students and his enthusiasm for teaching was truly special. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”
Ogbomoh graduated in 2020 from the University of Georgia with a major in biology with a concentration in neuroscience, Channel 2 reported. He was also pursuing a master’s degree in computer science from Georgia State University.
Marietta Middle’s Parent Teacher Student Association announced that it is collecting donations to support the school. On Monday, it provided lunch for teachers and staff and hopes to stock food and beverages for them.
School officials said counseling will also be provided for students and administrators.
Police have not disclosed any other details about the shooting, including if they’ve identified a suspect.
— Please return to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for updates.
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