Police searching for person of interest in 2023 South Fulton homicide

SOUTH FULTON, Ga. - A 20-year-old man was gunned down at a South Fulton apartment complex. Ten months later, his mom and dad say they still have no answers.

South Fulton police recently released a photo of Terrence Holmes, a person of interest in the murder of Kenneth Payton.

His parents are hopeful the development will breathe life back into their son's case.

"For his friends, his family, we would just like to know what happened and why," said Payton's mother, Michelle Kiner-McDonald.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

The 20-year-old had just finished his overnight shift with a custodial company at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport at 7 a.m. and ended up in the Camelot Condominiums on Old National Highway where someone fatally shot him.

"It's been very difficult to talk about him," his mother told FOX 5 Atlanta.

His parents say they don't know what happened.

Kenneth Payton (Photo submitted by family)

"Really speculation, but we just think that he was set up. Someone lured him over to the neighborhood," said his father, Shawn McDonald.

"His cell phone was taken, and he usually carried a little satchel with him," his mother said. "We believe that was taken as well."

After ten long months, South Fulton police now have a possible lead. They want to talk to Holmes.

Terrence Holmes (South Fulton Police Department)

"We would like to get him to come in and speak with us because he could potentially be a witness to what happened that day," Lt. Ebony Bullock explained. 

Police confirm they believe several people witnessed the shooting in front of building 400. Kenneth's parents are hopeful one of them will step forward and cooperate.

Camelot Condominiums

"We just want to know what happened. It's almost going on a year. His birthday is next week, and we're upset that he didn't get a chance to celebrate his 21st birthday," said his mother.

Officials are asking anyone who knows where Holmes could be to contact the Crime Stoppers Atlanta tip line at 404-577-8477 or online at www.StopCrimeAtl.org.