CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — A tragic act of gun violence has claimed the life of Qi’Adrian Gordon, a 17-year-old high school student, who was fatally shot outside a busy shopping plaza on Wednesday night, June 25, 2025. The incident unfolded near the Kroger supermarket located in the shopping center along Tara Boulevard, one of the county’s main thoroughfares.
According to Clayton County Police, officers were dispatched to the scene following reports of multiple gunshots just after 8:30 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found Gordon lying on the pavement, unresponsive, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Tragically, he was pronounced dead at the scene, despite efforts from bystanders and emergency personnel.
Witnesses described a chaotic and terrifying scene. One woman told Channel 2 Action News reporter Tom Jones that she heard several rapid gunshots and, when she turned, saw Gordon collapsed on the ground near the entrance of the plaza. Others reported seeing a vehicle speeding away from the area immediately after the gunfire erupted. Police have not yet released a description of the vehicle or identified any suspects.
Shoppers and employees in nearby stores were rattled by the violence. “It was just so sudden,” said one store employee who asked not to be identified. “People were screaming, running. It’s so scary to think someone that young lost their life right in front of a grocery store.”
At just 17 years old, Qi’Adrian Gordon’s life was cut short in a public space where families and residents routinely shop and gather. His death has sparked sorrow and anger in the community, as another teenager falls victim to senseless gun violence that continues to plague metro Atlanta neighborhoods.
Clayton County investigators are working diligently to track down leads. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is being reviewed, and officers are urging anyone who was in the area or who may have seen anything suspicious to come forward. At this time, no arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.
Gordon’s family, still grappling with the sudden loss, is asking for privacy as they mourn the death of their son. Friends and relatives described him as a kind, respectful young man who had dreams of graduating high school and building a better life for himself and his loved ones.
The broader community has also begun to respond. Local leaders are calling for increased youth engagement and anti-violence initiatives. “We’re losing too many of our children to gun violence,” one community activist said. “We can’t let this become normalized.”
Clayton County Police are encouraging anyone with information about the shooting to contact their department or leave an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta.
Victim: Qi’Adrian Gordon, 17
Location: Shopping center near Kroger on Tara Blvd., Clayton County, GA
Time of Incident: Evening of June 25, 2025
Status: Ongoing investigation; no arrests yet
Contact: Clayton County Police Department or Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta at 404-577-TIPS
As more details continue to emerge, stay updated with Channel 2 Action News and the WSB-TV mobile app for real-time developments on this heartbreaking case.
