Man found dead hours after fight breaks out at Gwinnett house party

Gwinnett County police say they are actively investigating a homicide Tuesday morning.

The body of a 20-year-old man was discovered inside a Gwinnett County home Tuesday after gunfire erupted during a house party the night before, police said.

The man, identified as Christopher Morand of Lawrenceville, was a guest at the home on Taylor Road, detectives at the scene told Channel 2 Action News.

Christopher Morand

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

icon to expand image

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

His body wasn’t found until hours after the party ended, when Gwinnett police received tips about the shooting.

Witnesses told detectives the man got into an argument with a group of people, and it turned into an all-out brawl. At some point, shots were fired and Morand was hit.

Investigators continued to collect evidence Tuesday in the neighborhood.

icon to expand image

“It’s not fair because now I’ve got to go see his mom and hug her and say we've got to bury her son and my best friend,” Mikey Ball told Channel 2 at the scene.

Police told the news station that at least 10 people attended the party but would not reveal how many, if any, were still there when they arrived.

Investigators continued to collect evidence Tuesday in the neighborhood behind the Kroger shopping center on Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road.

Wislyne Morand

icon to expand image

The man’s mother, Wislyne Morand, said she spent all night worrying after hearing rumors on social media that the Collins Hill High grad had been shot, Channel 2 reported.

Police gave her the terrible news when she arrived on the scene.

“I hope they catch whoever did it. I hope they catch him and make him pay for what he did to my son,” she said.

Investigators are working to track down all the party attendees. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 404-513-5300.

Tipsters can remain anonymous, and be eligible for rewards of up to $2,000, by contacting Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477, texting information to 274637 or visiting the Crime Stoppers website.

— Please return to AJC.com for updates.