Father killed, man hospitalized in shootout in SE Atlanta neighborhood

ATLANTA - Atlanta police are investigating the death of man found shot multiple times on the porch of a southeast Atlanta home Friday.

Officials tell FOX 5 they received a call at around 11 a.m. of a person shot on the 1100 block of Kipling Street SE near Moreland Avenue.

At the scene, they found the body of a man shot multiple times on the front porch of one of the homes in the area.

The man's family identified him as Rashone Gardner.

Family members say Rashone Gardner was killed in a shootout in southeast Atlanta on Dec. 30, 2022 leaving behind two daughters. (Family photo)

His family says they are not sure how to break the new to his teenage daughter.

Neighbors say Gardner was well known and well loved in the neighborhood. 

Investigators say it appears that the shooting happened during a dispute between two groups, one of which the victim was a part of.  

"It was two groups. Two or more on both sides. There was a large exchange of gunfire. We are still working to determine what lead up and when they fired and what they fired," said Atalnta Police Lt. Germain Dearlove.

Dozens of bullet holes are seen in the side of an SUV being towed from the site of a deadly shootout in southeast Atlanta on Dec. 30, 2022. (FOX 5)

Police called the shooting a "large exchange of gunfire" in which multiple weapons possible were used. FOX 5 cameras on the scene saw at least 40 shell casing in the area. A car being hauled from the scene had countless bullet holes in its side. Dozens of evidence markers littered the scene counting each spent shell.

Officials say another victim has been taken to a local hospital. At this time, they are conscious and police are preparing to interview him to learn what caused the shooting. The identifies of either victim have been released. 

"Currently, right now, we have one person shot at the hospital as well. We are working to get an interview with him as well to see what led to the shooting incident we have now," said Lt. Dearlove.

Dozens of markers litter a southwest Atlanta roadway after a shootout on Dec. 30, 2022. (FOX 5)

Investigators say there was a second scene less than a half mile north on McDonough Street. Police believe those involved in the shootout may have stopped there after the shootout.

Police are still looking for witnesses and information about the deadly incident.

If you have any knowledge of anything connected to the violence, contact the Atlanta Police Department.