An Atlanta man has been arrested after police accused him in a shooting that left a man dead and a woman injured last month.

James McClendon, 45, is charged with felony murder in the death of Vernon Harper Jr., according to Atlanta police.

Harper, 30, of Atlanta, was found dead of multiple gunshot wounds inside of a home in the 2100 block of Lang Street about 6:30 p.m. on May 14, according to a police report. Harper was at the home visiting a friend, Atlanta police homicide Detective Jeffrey Churchill said.

“One of the males in the house produced a firearm and shot him several times after an argument,” Churchill said in a statement.

Police previously said a woman was also found inside the home with a gunshot wound to her leg. She was stable when she was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital, police said.

It is not clear how police connected McClendon to the fatal shooting, but authorities said warrants were issued for his arrest May 19. He was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service on Wednesday and booked into the Fulton County Jail.

In addition to felony murder, McClendon is charged with possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. It is not clear if police intend to file charges connected to the woman’s injuries.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Near the end of the longest day of the year, Georgians rest atop Stone Mountain to watch the sunset behind the Atlanta skyline. (Richard Watkins/AJC)

Credit: Richard Watkins

Featured

Instructor Daniel Jean-Baptiste reminds students to "measure twice, cut once" while using a hand saw at the Construction Ready accelerated summer program at Westside Works in Atlanta on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. The program provides training for careers in construction and the skilled trades. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com