Windy Hill Road deadly shooting: 1 charged in death of 21-year-old man

Windy Hill Road deadly shooting arrest

A 21-year-old was found dead in a car in the parking lot of a shopping plaza. Police had their prime suspect even before the investigation began.

COBB COUNTY, Ga. - Cobb County police swarmed the parking lot of the Windy Hill Village on Wednesday morning.

A 911 caller reported a shooting just before 11 a.m. in the shopping plaza located in the 2300 block of Windy Hill Road near U.S. 41.

Cobb County police investigate a deadly shooting at the Windy Hill Village located off Windy Hill Road on Feb. 5, 2025. (FOX 5)

Eric Townsend arrested for Windy Hill Road deadly shooting

What we know:

Jabril Blount, 21, of Roswell, was found. Police say he was shot multiple times.

Medics pronounced him dead at the scene.

Crime scene tape surrounded the area of the parking lot in front of the Lincoln College of Technology well into the afternoon as the police department's Major Crimes Unit combed the scene for evidence, spoke to witnesses, and reviewed surveillance video.

Eric Townsend, 53, of Alabama, surrendered to the Smyrna Police Department, which has since released him to the Cobb County Police Department.

He was booked into the Cobb County Jail on Wednesday afternoon on charges of felony murder and aggravated assault.

Cobb County police investigate a deadly shooting at the Windy Hill Village located off Windy Hill Road on Feb. 5, 2025. (FOX 5)

What we don't know:

Police are still investigating a motive in the case.

Witnesses to deadly shooting of Jabril Blount

What they're saying:

It was an unnerving scene for those at the bustling shopping center.

"We walk outside and see cops, detectives, we don't know what's going on," said Barry Griggs, who is a student at Lincoln Tech School.

"I saw a fire truck in the corner over here and I saw the yellow tape," said Josh Welch, who works in the shopping center.

"I just see like this whole area, like right next to my truck is just taped off," said Cesar Garcia, who is a student at the school.

"It was just like a window was all shot up. There was glass all over the ground," said Garcia.

"There were about 10. Probably four second intervals between the shots," said Garcia.

"That is quite scary," said Tamara Jackson.

Jackson has had her business in the shopping center for five years. She says it's usually quiet here, but this shooting makes her nervous.

"I lost my nephew to gun violence, so that makes me uneasy. My prayers go out to both families, because it's going to turn their world upside down," said Jackson.