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This is what we know about the 39-year-old father killed at a DeKalb gas station

Police believe he may have been targeted.

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A father of a 1-year-old boy was fatally shot at a DeKalb County gas station Wednesday. 

This is what we know about the shooting. 

  • When: The shooting happened around 1 a.m. on Wednesday off Moreland Avenue, according to DeKalb Police.  
  • Identity: Family members identified him as Jovan Ladson, 39. 
  • Found: His body was found near a dark-colored car pierced with multiple bullets. Police said there were at least 20-30 shell casings at the scene. He was shot multiple times.
  • Family: He leaves behind a 1-year-old son. The mother of his son, Kendra Dixon, referred to him as her best friend. She also pleaded for the shooter(s) to turn themselves in.
  • Motive: Police believe that Ladson was possibly targeted, and that this was not a random shooting. However, they are still investigating the motive. Dixon speculated that Ladson may have been involved in a gambling situation, per a text message conversation she had with him earlier in the day. 

READ: 'That's all I got' | Family of man fatally shot at gas station speaks on his death

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