CLARKSTON, GA — What began as a night of celebration ended in tragedy early Saturday morning when a 31-year-old man was fatally shot outside an adult entertainment club in Clarkston. The deadly shooting, which also left another man critically injured, occurred just before 4 a.m. along Brockett Road, near U.S. 78, according to local authorities.
Police identified the victim as Gary Matthews of Lithonia, who had reportedly been celebrating his birthday with friends moments before the violence erupted. Clarkston Police said officers responded to reports of gunfire around 3:55 a.m. at a club located at 1353 Brockett Road. When officers arrived, they found Matthews inside a vehicle suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts by first responders.
Investigators said Matthews was among four people — two men and two women — sitting inside a parked vehicle outside the club when a Jeep pulled up. Two men allegedly got out of the Jeep and began firing into the car before fleeing the area. One of the other men inside the vehicle was also struck and transported to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries, police said. The two women escaped unharmed but were left shaken by the attack.
Responding officers attempted to pursue the suspects as they fled, but the Jeep managed to evade capture. Authorities later located the vehicle abandoned, though the shooters remain at large. The DeKalb County Police Department assisted at the scene, but Clarkston Police are leading the ongoing investigation.
As of Saturday evening, officials had not released a possible motive and said it remains unclear whether the gunmen and victims were acquainted. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from surrounding businesses and speaking with witnesses to piece together what led to the deadly confrontation. Police are also analyzing shell casings and other evidence recovered at the scene.
The shooting has left the Clarkston community stunned and mourning the loss of Gary Matthews, described by friends as outgoing and kindhearted. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward by contacting Detective Feltman at 678-431-1472 or emailing gfeltman@cityofclarkston.com
. As the search for the shooters continues, investigators hope that public cooperation will help bring justice for Matthews and his grieving family.
