A grim Christmas tragedy in Georgia has left a community shaken after police say an Atlanta officer fatally shot his girlfriend before taking his own life — a horrifying scene discovered days after the couple was last seen alive.
Authorities were called to a home in northeast Atlanta on Dec. 28 after friends of the couple grew concerned when they stopped responding following a Christmas Day party, according to local station 11Alive.
When friends went to check on them, one person reportedly saw two bodies lying motionless on a bedroom floor through a window and immediately called 911.
“There are two dead bodies in the back bedroom,” the shaken caller told the dispatcher after being transferred to EMS. “There’s blood everywhere, and there’s one gun between the two of them.”
The caller added, “I’m not gonna speculate anything, but they’re not moving at all.”
Officers conducted a welfare check and found Kevin Stroner, 56, a 13-year veteran of the Atlanta Police Department, and his girlfriend, Moriah Cardona, 44, deceased inside the home. A firearm was found between them.
On Tuesday, the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Cardona’s death a homicide and determined that Stroner died by suicide from a gunshot wound, according to CBS News.
Deputy Chief Prenzinna Spann said investigators believe no one else was inside the home at the time of the shooting and stressed that the incident appears to be isolated, posing no threat to the public. Authorities also said responding officers were not initially aware that Stroner was a police officer when they were dispatched.
The case remains an active death investigation as detectives work to determine what led up to the apparent murder-suicide.
Neighbors described the loss as shocking, saying the quiet suburban area has been left reeling.
“He was a great neighbor — an even better guy,” one resident told 11Alive.
Stroner had previously been recognized by the department for acts of bravery, including helping stop an armed robbery at a Family Dollar in 2012 and assisting in the arrest of an accused robber. He also received a commendation in December 2020 for helping apprehend another robbery suspect.
Friends and neighbors said they didn’t know Cardona well, but one friend described her as a “beautiful person” who will be deeply missed.
As the investigation continues, loved ones are left searching for answers to how a joyful holiday gathering ended in such devastating violence.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, help is available. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org for support.
Doesn’t sound like this couple were candidates for murder / suicide .