Atlanta, GA – A family tragedy unfolded in Atlanta’s upscale Buckhead neighborhood last week as an argument between a father and his son turned fatal. The altercation, which escalated to a shooting just after midnight, left the son dead and has sent shockwaves through the community.
Responding to a late-night call at an apartment complex, Atlanta police discovered 32-year-old Durante Schofield deceased with multiple gunshot wounds. The shooter, identified as 54-year-old Durante Tolliver, is the victim’s father and was arrested at the scene.
The sequence of events leading to the fatal shooting began earlier in the evening when Schofield, driving an SUV, crashed into a building. In distress, he contacted his girlfriend who, after arriving and assessing the situation, alerted the authorities anonymously before taking Schofield back to his residence.
Upon their return to the apartment, a confrontation ensued between Schofield and his girlfriend, which led her to seek help from Tolliver. Arriving shortly thereafter, Tolliver and his son appeared calm initially and planned to leave the scene together in Tolliver’s vehicle. However, tensions reignited in the parking lot, reportedly triggered by Schofield slamming the car door.
The argument rapidly escalated, and according to the police, Tolliver shot his son during the confrontation after claiming he feared Schofield was reaching for a weapon. Despite Tolliver’s assertions, investigations confirmed Schofield was not armed, and Tolliver discharged his weapon a total of twelve times.
The aftermath of the shooting has deeply affected Schofield’s family and community members. His sister, Dee Clyburn, mourned his loss, remembering him as a loving father of two and lamented the void his untimely death has created in their lives.
The incident has also raised concerns about the history of domestic disturbances at the Schofield residence. Neighbors recall frequent police visits to the apartment, with records showing at least 17 calls made to the address prior to the tragedy.
Tolliver, now facing charges of murder, aggravated assault, and possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony, was denied bond in his initial court appearance. As he remains in custody, the investigation continues, with authorities leaving open the possibility of additional charges depending on further findings.
This incident underscores ongoing issues in domestic situations that escalate to violence, reflecting broader challenges in community and familial safety. As the Buckhead community mourns, police remain diligent in piecing together the timeline of events to fully understand the dynamics that led to this devastating night.