Atlanta police are investigating an apparent murder-suicide after an Atlanta Police Department officer and a woman were found dead inside a home near Piedmont Park on Saturday evening, authorities confirmed.
Officers discovered the two individuals at approximately 4 p.m. while responding to a welfare check at a residence on Cooledge Avenue Northeast. Police said friends of the individuals contacted authorities after being unable to reach them. The home is located in the Atlantic Station area, a short distance from Piedmont Park.
Atlanta Police Deputy Chief Prenzinna Spann said both individuals were found with gunshot-related injuries. She noted that when officers initially received the call, it was not confirmed that one of the deceased was a member of law enforcement.
“We did not know at the time we received the call that it was an officer; there was some speculation that it may have been, but we did not confirm at that time,” Spann said.
Investigators later identified the officer as Kevin Stroner, an investigator with the City of Atlanta Police Department. According to authorities, Stroner fatally shot his girlfriend inside his home at 618 Cooledge Avenue before taking his own life. Police described the incident as isolated and stated there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The investigation remains active, and officials have not released the identity of the woman involved, pending notification of next of kin.
Police said Kevin Stroner was born on October 20, 1969, and was 56 years old. Law enforcement officials noted that policing was his second career, as he joined the department after economic challenges impacted his landscaping business. The Atlanta Police Department stated it is providing support resources to officers and staff as they process the loss.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact Atlanta police as the investigation continues.
