3 teens still sought in Grant Park bartender's slaying

By MEGAN MATTEUCCI

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Police are still searching for three teenagers suspected of robbing and killing a Standard Food & Spirits bartender.

Last week, police charged 17-year-old Jonathan Redding with 22 different counts, including the murder of bartender John Henderson.

Atlanta Police said Wednesday that they are still seeking tips from anyone who may know the other suspects. The only descriptions available are for three teenage boys.

Police say Redding and three other teens stormed the Grant Park bar on Jan. 7. and robbed Henderson and fellow bartender Ashley Elder before shooting Henderson. He died after being shot in the head once and twice in the leg, police said.

Detectives said they are also investigating Redding's ties to 30 Deep, a gang in the Mechanicsville section of Atlanta. Redding has a tattoo on his cheek that says "30."

In addition to the Henderson shooting, Redding was charged with a Dec. 21 armed robbery of another Standard employee and a Jan. 9 home invasion and shooting. Redding was shot in the shoulder during the home invasion when he exchanged gunfire with the southwest Atlanta homeowner, who had an AK-47, according to police reports.

Redding's mother, Dorothy Redding, told WSB-TV that her son is a "victim of the judicial system."

"Jonathan is not the monster that he has been portrayed to be, but was in the wrong place at the wrong time," the mother wrote in a statement.

Redding is being held without bond in the Fulton County jail.

Anyone with information about the Standard shooting is urged to call 404-577-TIPS. A $50,000 reward is available.