Panhandler charged in Midtown killing at gas station

Atlanta police arrested a panhandler and charged him with fatally shooting a man he had asked for money early Tuesday outside a Midtown gas station, police said.

The victim was identified as Kashman Avery, 48, of Michigan, according to police and the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Fulton County Sheriff's Office

Wanique Odwin is being held without bond in the Fulton County Jail.

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Around 2 a.m., Avery and some relatives were at the Shell station on Spring Street and 14th Street, Atlanta police Lt. Keith Meadows said.

The panhandler, Wanique Odwin, approached Avery and asked him for money, Meadows said.

Avery took exception to the begging and exchanged words with Odwin, Meadows said.

Odwin drew a weapon and shot Avery once in the side, Meadows said. Avery was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he later died.

Odwin, 26, fled the scene, but was found a couple of blocks away, Meadows said. He was charged with murder, and is being held without bond in the Fulton County Jail.

In an interview with a police detective, Odwin said he pulled out his weapon because he felt threatened by Avery, Meadows said.

Avery’s relatives, meanwhile, described Odwin as the aggressor.

The shooting follows a 30-day crackdown on panhandling by Atlanta police, prompted by a barrage of complaints from the public, including tourists.