Police release person of interest in Clark shooting

By MEGAN MATTEUCCI

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Police released the only person of interest apprehended for questioning in the shooting death of a Spelman College student.

Jasmine Lynn, 19, was killed around 12:30 a.m. Thursday when she was struck by a stray bullet while walking on James P. Brawley Drive near Clark Atlanta University.

On Friday, Atlanta Police Chief Richard Pennington said officers questioned several witnesses, including a “person of interest” who was detained Thursday. He has since been released, Pennington said.

“We’re hoping someone in the community will call us and give us information,” Pennington said Friday at a press conference in front of Atlanta Police headquarters.

Investigators are still conducting interviews, but have no information on the shooter, Pennington said.

The “person of interest” was interviewed Thursday at Grady Memorial Hospital, where he was taken after being chased down and beaten by bystanders who saw the shooting, police said.

Witnesses said they saw two groups of men arguing, including one with a gun tucked in his pants. He then pulled the gun, ran west on James P. Brawley and started shooting behind him, said Anthony Miller.

Lynn ducked, but was struck, said Miller, who was with Lynn when the shooting occurred.

“It bounced past me and I looked up. She was hit,” said Miller, a student at Atlanta Technical College.

Clark Atlanta student Jerome Jones, 18, was also injured when a bullet hit his wrist. He was treated and released, police said.

Pennington said he had no information on the fight, including whether the participants were students. One witness said the fight involved Morehouse College football players and non-students. Pennington said he had no information about football players being involved.

Pennington said residents are outraged over Lynn’s shooting and he hopes that will encourage more people to call in with tips.

Anyone with information may call CrimeStoppers 404-577-TIPS.