Atlanta Police have confirmed a 20-year-old man was shot and killed near t he Lyke House Catholic Newman Center at the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUC) Tuesday afternoon.
Clark Atlanta University has identified the victim as Jatonne Sterling, a sophomore college baseball player for the school from Chicago.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers found Sterling suffering a gunshot wound, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to Channel 2 Action News, authorities say that they believe Sterling knew his killer and was shot during an escalated dispute.
“We believe this was an incident, possibly an escalated dispute, between he and an acquaintance. So, it’s not going to be random, it seems to be targeted,” Lt. Germain Dearlove told FOX 5.
Atlanta Police told WSB-TV that students at the AUC are not in any danger despite their search for the shooter.
The university’s athletics department paid tribute to Sterling on social media, writing: “Clark Atlanta Athletics send its condolences to Jatonne Sterling’s family and friends. Gone too soon. Please keep Jatonne’s family in your prayers.”
According to 11 Alive News, police are continuing to search for the shooter. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Atlanta Police or 911.
A candlelight vigil is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Lyke House Catholic Newman Center.
