Authorities have released sketches of two men suspected in a brutal robbery of a Marietta man visiting a Vine City park with his family.

The 49-year-old victim was playing basketball with his grandson and daughter-in-law at John F. Kennedy Park on May 25 when he said he was approached by a large group of men, according to Atlanta police. He told officers he did not recognize any of the roughly 15 people.

Two men stepped forward and told him to “come up off it,” police said in an incident report obtained by AJC.com. They allegedly hit him twice in the back of the head with a gun before taking his wallet and his cellphone from his pockets.

His family ran away and was not injured, according to the report.

The victim called his son to pick him up from the park and take him to Emory University Hospital Midtown. Hospital staff alerted police after they arrived around 8 p.m.

The victim had two cuts to the back of his head and needed at least 7 stitches, police said. Atlanta police on Thursday released two GBI sketches of his alleged attackers.

Anyone with information or who may recognize the men in the sketches is asked to contact police. Tipsters can remain anonymous, and be eligible for rewards of up to $2,000, by calling Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477, texting information to 274637 or visiting the Crime Stoppers website.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Amber Hicks’ father, Mark Boggs (center), hugs Hicks’ cousin Kirstyn Bauer upon hearing the life sentence for Matthew Lanz on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. Lanz was convicted a day earlier in the 2021 killings of Hicks and her husband, Justin, in their Acworth home. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Featured

Tracy Woodard from InTown Cares (left) and Lauren Hopper from Mercy Care organization work with residents at the Copperton Street encampment in August 2024. 
(Miguel Martinez / AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez