Man arrested, charged with murder in double shooting in Atlanta

An Atlanta man has been arrested after police accused him in a shooting that left a man dead and a woman injured last month.

James McClendon, 45, is charged with felony murder in the death of Vernon Harper Jr., according to Atlanta police.

Harper, 30, of Atlanta, was found dead of multiple gunshot wounds inside of a home in the 2100 block of Lang Street about 6:30 p.m. on May 14, according to a police report. Harper was at the home visiting a friend, Atlanta police homicide Detective Jeffrey Churchill said.

APD has made an arrest made in a May 14, 2021 murder of Vernon Harper Jr. at 2180 Lang Dr. SW. We would like to thank the members of the Homicide & Fugitive units for the swift apprehension for Mr. McClendon as well as their dedication to continuing to make our streets safer. pic.twitter.com/b6TK9YSExa
— Atlanta Police Department (@Atlanta_Police) June 3, 2021

“One of the males in the house produced a firearm and shot him several times after an argument,” Churchill said in a statement.

ExploreAtlanta’s homicide count reaches 48 after latest string of shootings

ExploreOfficials ID victims of Atlanta’s recent deadly shootings

Police previously said a woman was also found inside the home with a gunshot wound to her leg. She was stable when she was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital, police said.

It is not clear how police connected McClendon to the fatal shooting, but authorities said warrants were issued for his arrest May 19. He was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service on Wednesday and booked into the Fulton County Jail.

ExploreViolence-rattled Atlanta sees another spate of shootings

In addition to felony murder, McClendon is charged with possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. It is not clear if police intend to file charges connected to the woman’s injuries.

About the Author