A permitted fraternity picnic at Coan Park in Atlanta on the evening of June 6, 2025 ended in deadly violence when an uninvited man confronted members of Kappa Alpha Psi. According to reports, 23-year-old Justin Minnitee arrived wearing a mask, became argumentative and produced a firearm. Anthony Pearson, 33, was struck in the head and died at the scene. He is remembered as a devoted father to his young daughter Avery, a son who took on family leadership after his father’s death, and a mentor within his fraternity.

Several attendees who were legally carrying concealed weapons returned fire. Minnitee was hit multiple times, taken to a hospital in critical condition and later died. Two women, ages 20 and 30, were also wounded and transported themselves to a hospital; their injuries were reported as stable. Minnitee’s known criminal history reportedly included a prior arrest for aggravated assault. The investigation remains ongoing.

If anyone attended the picnic or has information about what sparked the confrontation, please share what you know.