Masked robbers shoot 2 in Marietta

By Larry Hartstein and Alexis Stevens

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Gunmen wearing blue bandanas over their faces shot two men during a pair of robberies early Sunday in Marietta, police said.

Manuel Gustamante of Cartersville remained in critical condition Monday at Grady Memorial Hospital. The other shooting victim, Fernando Lopez, was released from WellStar Kennestone Hospital.

The first robbery occurred at 12:40 a.m. Sunday in front of the Flagstone Village Apartments on Franklin Road, when the gunmen approached Lopez and demanded money, police said.

"A small struggle ensued and the man was shot multiple times while fleeing," said Officer Michael Gardner, spokesman for Marietta police. "He got home and called police."

Twenty minutes later, the same gunmen are believed to have robbed three men behind the El Cuate nightclub on Franklin Road. One of those victims, Gustamante, was shot.

In both cases, the suspects fled on foot, Gardner said.