Fulton County DA, Atlanta police 'upset' judge granted bond to suspect in officer shooting

ATLANTA - A Fulton County judge has granted bond to a man accused of shooting an 11-year veteran of the Atlanta Police Department.

Christian Eppinger faces 13 charges including attempted murder for the shooting of Officer David Rodgers, who was trying to take the 22-year-old into custody on an outstanding warrant in February.

Officer Rodgers was shot six times and survived.

Law enforcement sources told FOX 5 Atlanta word of the bond spread quickly within the department infuriating officers.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis filed an emergency motion for reconsideration of bond for the suspect who she call "an extremely dangerous gang member." 

"That individual should not have been given a bond base on his history, based on where he was in the process here in Fulton County," Willis said. "And so, it is something that has upset my law enforcement partners and also me as the district attorney."

During a Wednesday news conference, Willis and Police Chief Rodney Bryant took questions and showed video of the shooting.

"He shot one of Atlanta's finest, and officer, and he shot him six times.  He really attempted to assassinate him. Just by the grace of God this officer lived," Willi said 

Eppinger will remain in the Fulton County Jail for now after a hold on his release was activated due to his being on probation from a previous case.

A superior court judge provided the DA's office an opportunity to re-address the issue. Willis believes Eppinger will receive a sentence of more than 50 years and be indicted for shooting Rodgers. 

"And a judge here decided to grant bond over the opposition of the state and that is why we are so offended," Willi said. "We do not believe based on the fact that he had already been revoked on his probation, he had such crimes of violence already against him, that that was an inappropriate act. I want to be very clear for the public though, Mr. Eppinger is not getting out of jail."

Fulton County Magistrate  responds to Eppinger getting bond

Fulton County Chief Magistrate Judge Cassandra Kirk responded to Wednesday's joint press conference Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and Sheriff Pat Labat condeming the courts granting accused cop shooter Christian Eppinger of getting bond.

In a statement released Wednesday evening, Judge Kirk wrote:

"I join my justice colleagues and share these concerns as well. While the judge in question occasionally serves as a part-time Magistrate Judge, in the Eppinger Bond Hearing, she was not serving in that role, but rather as a full time Judicial Officer appointed by Fulton County Superior Court. This appointment and designation falls within the purview of the Superior Court Chief Judge, not the Fulton Magistrate Court. Any questions or clarity of judicial protocol in this matter should be addressed to the Fulton County Superior Court.

"Additionally, even though this case did not involve the Magistrate Court of Fulton County, misinformation has surfaced as to the Chief Magistrate Judge’s authority to rescind an appointed judge. Current Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 15-10-24) does not allow the Fulton County Chief Magistrate Judge to rescind an appointment during the Chief Judge’s term. Efforts have been made to remedy this through the legislature and these efforts will continue to be made by this office.

"The Magistrate Court of Fulton County takes its job seriously and is committed to public safety in this and all cases that come before us. We work and live with our families in this Community."

Veteran Atlanta police officer shot while serving warrant

Officer David Rodgers was part of the team attempting to take Eppinger into custody on Feb. 7 on an outstanding warrant.

It happened around 1:15 p.m. in the 2600 block of Old Hapeville Road in southwest Atlanta. Police said Eppinger got into a scuffle with the officers. At some point, police said Eppinger pulled out a handgun and shot the officer "multiple times."

Police said after the shooting officers intervened before Eppinger was able to rob or assault anybody else.

Police department officials said one group of officers worked to stabilize Rodgers while another went after Eppinger, who at that point was considered an "imminent threat" to the neighborhood.

Police said the suspect was apprehended after trying to find shelter nearby. Police said there were no other injuries. 

Officer Rodgers, who was hit six times, was rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital in serious condition. He is expected to face a long road to recovery.

During Wednesday's press conference, Police Chief Rodney Bryant said the shooting is not only a strike against the police department, but also the city and neighborhood. 

"We must hold people truly accountable for their actions," Bryant said. 

Support pours in for Officer Rodgers 

Letters for Officer David Rodgers have been pouring in for more than a month. 

"We have some here that came from North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Florida, Ohio, Idaho Pennsylvania and Washington," said Ashley Guthrie.

Guthrie wanted to do something to show him the community cares. She asked people on the Nextdoor app if they would send the officer a note.

"If he thought he had love and prayers and support, I think anyone would heal more quickly," said Guthrie.

A 4th grade class from Jackson Elementary sent a packet full of letters. One student even drew the APD logo on the front.

"The whole folder here is full of letters from the class telling him you're brave, we love you, we appreciate you. I just thought it was wonderful that these young people have such a good vision of law enforcement," said Guthrie.

Guthrie said it warms her heart to know that so many people took the time to show they care. She hopes this outpouring of love and support will help Rodgers on his road to recovery.

Members of the APD Gang Unit set up an online fundraiser.

Who is the suspect, Christian Eppinger?

District Attorney Fani Willis said Christian Eppinger has a long history of violent crimes. 

At 16 years old, on May 11, 2016, Eppinger committed armed robbery. He received a 10-year sentence, four in custody. 

Willis said the violence didn't stop after he was released on probation in May 2021. 

Eppinger was a known gang member and police said he was wanted in connection to an armed robbery along Cleveland Avenue in October 2021. According to a police report, he held a man at gunpoint and made off with valuable items, such as a Rolex watch.

On Jan. 2, 2022, Willis said Eppinger stole a car.

Eppinger was being taken into custody on Feb. 7 for a number of charges.

"The mayor and me have been really disgusted with this as well as the chief of police," Willis said. "While he was on probation, it was clear that he was not monitored, he did not report, and he was never revoked."

Eppinger was booked into the Fulton County Jail.