Police said a 16-year-old McDonald's employee will be charged as an adult in the shooting death of an 18-year-old co-worker at a Jonesboro McDonald's restaurant in the 6600 block of Tara Boulevard Thursday night.
Clayton County Police said Corey Anderson Love of Jonesboro walked into the McDonald's and gunned down Christopher Chambers of Jonesboro because he suspected Chambers was one of several employees who were responsible for the theft of his wallet and cell phone.
"We were close," said Semaj McCartney.
McCartney said he can't believe Chambers, his mentor, is gone. McCartney said Chambers was a faithful employee at the McDonald's restaurant.
"I used to always listen to him, and that's crazy," McCartney said.
Police said they responded to a shooting call at the restaurant at about 7:30 p.m., and found Chambers unresponsive and suffering from a gunshot wound. Clayton County EMS crews transported Chambers to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Photos | Fatal McDonald's shooting
Photos | Fatal McDonalds's shooting in Jonesboro
Witnesses told investigators Love had walked into the restaurant, shot Chambers, then fled on foot.
"Everyone is just turning to the guns," said restaurant patron Chris Arce of Jonesboro.
Those who often visit the Tara Boulevard McDonald's say they consider it safe for the family, but the latest incident has them concerned.
"I don't even know about even coming back here anymore," said Jonesboro resident Bill Rackley Jr. "Shots like that being fired, that's just crazy."
While detectives were securing warrants in the case, Love surrendered to authorities at the Clayton County Police Department's North Precinct. He was booked and charged with one count of malice murder, one count of felony murder and one count of aggravated assault.
