The well-known civic leader who was shot to death in his yard Sunday ate lunch at a local restaurant hours before his death, police say.

Barney Simms, 70, was found about 4 p.m. with “multiple defects” on his body after being struck and killed by at least one bullet, Lt. Charles Hampton, an Atlanta homicide detective, said Monday.

Police are now seeking the man seen at about 2 p.m. with Simms at the Virginia Avenue Waffle House.

“We do know they both ate at the Waffle House,” Hampton said.

Hampton said the man is “pretty recognizable,” with a long nose and wearing a Knicks hat. The man was not described as a suspect but as a person of interest.

“He may have been the last person to see Simms alive.” Hampton said.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Michael Collins, former Color Of Change director, poses for a portrait at the soccer ball sculpture at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. He’s leading a new coalition, Play Fair ATL, to hold Atlanta accountable on human rights ahead of the 2026 World Cup. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

Featured

A rendering of the columbarium memorial that is estimated to be completed by next summer or fall in the southeast part of Oakland Cemetery, officials said. (Courtesy of Historic Oakland Foundation)

Credit: Historic Oakland Foundation