Middle school teacher fatally shot at Atlanta apartments; woman arrested

Fulton schools board member Franchesca Warren said during a meeting Tuesday that Goodwin was adored by his students. Despite his brief tenure at Renaissance Middle, she said he leaves behind an impactful legacy.

“For his parents, who are watching, I know they are in the horrible position of having to bury a child. Just know that your son did so much for our kids and just the impact that he had in that short time,” Warren said.

On Dec. 30, Atlanta police were called to the Southwood Vista apartments in the 2100 block of Southwood Boulevard around 10 p.m. At the scene, officials said a man was found with an apparent gunshot wound.

He was pronounced dead at the scene. The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office later identified him as Goodwin.

Police did not release a motive in the case or say if Goodwin knew his attacker.

A family member wrote in a public post that “John lived an extraordinary life filled with adventure, laughter and his love for education.”

Goodwin earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s of education from Clark Atlanta University, according to his LinkedIn. He took on several teaching roles at multiple schools, including Clark Atlanta, before joining Renaissance Middle.

“He was a great guy,” Principal Dr. Ava Williams told Channel 2 Action News. “Got along with everyone, all of our students, faculty and staff. Everyone loved him.”

A service will be held Jan. 20 at noon following an 11 a.m. viewing at Elizabeth Baptist Church on Cascade Road in Atlanta.

— Staff writer Martha Dalton contributed to this article.