Fraternity Gathering Turns Tragic: Kappa Alpha Psi Brother Anthony Pearson and Gunman Justin Minnitee Killed in Coan Park Shooting
On Saturday evening, just before 8 p.m., a sanctioned Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. picnic at Coan Park in Atlanta’s Kirkwood/Edgewood area turned deadly. According to eyewitnesses, a masked, uninvited individual entered the gathering and engaged in a confrontation with fraternity brothers. The altercation escalated into a shootout when weapons were drawn
🧑🧑 Victims
-
Anthony Pearson, a 33-year-old Kappa Alpha Psi brother, was shot in the head and died at the scene . Family and fraternity members remember him as a mentor and devoted father
-
The suspected gunman, 23-year-old Justin Minnitee, was shot by attendees who held concealed carry permits. He was transported to a hospital and pronounced dead on Sunday following complications from his injuries
🩺 Additional Injuries
Two other individuals sustained non-fatal injuries—one suffered a graze wound, and another sustained injuries serious enough to require hospitalization
🕵️♂️ Investigation & Response
-
Police Investigation: Atlanta PD is investigating the circumstances, confirming the uninvited intruder initiated gunfire. The event was officially permitted, making the presence of uninvited guests a key point .
-
Community Reaction: Witnesses and media reports stress that fraternity members acted in defense after the attacker turned violent
🌟 Remembering Anthony Pearson
Anthony was deeply respected within Kappa Alpha Psi for his mentorship and leadership. As a mentor and father, he was at the core of the community at Coan Park that evening His death has devastated the fraternity and the broader Black Greek-letter organization community in Atlanta.
🔫 Broader Implications
This incident raises serious concerns around securing public events. While lawfully armed individuals played a role in stopping the attacker, the tragic outcome spotlights ongoing debates on public safety, gun access, and event security.
🔍 Next Steps
-
Investigation continues, including potential legal reviews of attendee actions.
-
Support & Vigil Plans: Kappa Alpha Psi chapters are expected to organize mourning vigils and grief support in the coming days.
-
Community Outreach: Authorities urge anyone with relevant information to contact Atlanta PD Homicide Division.
📝 Summary Table
| Victim | Age | Role | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony Pearson | 33 | Kappa Alpha Psi brother, mentor, father | Shot in head, died at scene |
| Justin Minnitee | 23 | Uninvited, masked alleged attacker | Shot by bystanders, died at hospital |
| Others | — | Attendees | Two injured, non-fatal |
This heartbreaking event transformed a celebration of brotherhood into tragedy. Anthony’s legacy as a mentor and father endures, and the fraternity community is now united in grief and remembrance. Authorities continue to work toward clarity and accountability for both actions and decisions that led to this devastating loss.
If you have information about the shooting, please reach out to Atlanta Police Department’s Homicide Division.