Atlanta, GA, December 27, 2025
News Summary
In a tragic incident near Piedmont Park, two individuals, including an Atlanta police officer, were found dead from gunshot wounds during a welfare check. The police arrived at a residence on Cooledge Avenue NE around 4 p.m., unaware of the officer’s involvement until after their arrival. The community expressed sadness over the event and offered prayers for the victims’ families while the investigation continues to determine the circumstances leading to this occurrence.
Atlanta: Two Found Dead in Residence, One Identified as Police Officer
Two individuals have been found dead inside a home near Piedmont Park in Atlanta, with one confirmed to be an officer with the Atlanta Police Department. The tragic discovery occurred during a welfare check at a residence on Cooledge Avenue NE at approximately 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Authorities stated that both victims, a man and a woman, suffered from gunshot wounds. The police have confirmed that the deceased included a member of their own force, though the initial responding officers were unaware of this fact until after they arrived at the scene.
As of now, the identities of the victims have not yet been publicly released by the authorities. The Atlanta Police Department (APD) is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding their deaths, looking into all potential leads and gathering further information to understand what transpired.
Local residents expressed their distress over the incident. One nearby resident commented on the sadness felt in the community, sharing intentions to pray for the victims’ families during this difficult time.
This is an ongoing situation, and officials are actively working to provide updates as they emerge. The Atlanta Police Department is committed to thoroughly investigating the case to ensure that all factors are examined and addressed appropriately.
Background Context
Welfare checks by police are typically conducted when concerned friends, family members, or neighbors report that someone may be in danger or in need of assistance. Such checks can lead to troubling situations, as seen in this case, where the discovery of two deceased individuals raises serious concerns about public safety and community wellbeing.
The neighborhood surrounding Piedmont Park has seen a mix of residential and recreational development, making incidents like this particularly shocking for residents and community members accustomed to a generally safe environment.
As authorities continue their investigation, the Atlanta Police Department is expected to release more information in the coming days. Community members are urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity while mourning the loss of life in a tragic event that affects many in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What happened in Atlanta near Piedmont Park? Two individuals were found dead inside a home near Piedmont Park on Saturday.
- What time was the discovery made? The discovery was made during a welfare check at a residence on Cooledge Avenue NE around 4 p.m.
- What injuries did the victims have? The deceased included a man and a woman, both of whom had gunshot wounds.
- Was one of the victims a police officer? Yes, Atlanta police confirmed that one of the victims was an officer with the Atlanta Police Department.
- Did the officers know immediately that one victim was a police officer? No, APD Deputy Chief Prenzinna Spann indicated that the officers did not initially know that one of the victims was an officer.
- Have the identities of the victims been released? No, the identities of the victims have not yet been released.
- Is there an ongoing investigation? Yes, police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
- What was the community’s reaction to the incident? A nearby resident, Mel Salcedo, expressed sadness about the incident and stated intentions to pray for the victims’ families.
- Will there be updates on the investigation? This is a developing story, and updates will be provided by Atlanta News First.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Pedestrian Fatally Struck on Downtown Connector in Atlanta
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Cobb County Weekend Events Featuring Comedy and Community Drives
Officer Shoots Armed Suspect in Atlanta Incident
Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First: Officer Found Dead
- Wikipedia: Welfare Check
- AJC: Reward in Stabbing Death
- Google Search: Piedmont Park Crime Reports
- WSBTV: Suspects Run After Carjacking
- Google Scholar: Piedmont Park Atlanta Crime
- 11Alive: Two Women Murdered in Parks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Atlanta
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Death Investigation in Piedmont Park
- Google News: Atlanta Police Department

Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.


