Photo of victim, Cortez Eatmon. Posted by the Bushelon Funeral Home.
The shooting occurred in the parking lot of Town Center Mall on May 27, 2026.
Questions continue to stir in the officer-involved shooting death of Cortez Eatmon.
Cortez Eatmon, 25, was shot and killed on May 27, 2026 by police officers in the parking lot of the Town Center Mall in Kennesaw, Georgia.
The shooting occurred after Eatmon allegedly fled from officers following a shoplifting incident. Officers attempted to use a taser on Eatmon as he fled. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Eatmon pulled a handgun while attempting to flee, prompting officers to fire their weapons. No officers were injured. Eatmon was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
The Cobb County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted the autopsy and death investigation. Currently, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation is independently investigating the incident. Their findings, when complete, will be given to the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office for review.
According to the finalized autopsy report obtained by The Sentinel, Eatmon suffered two gunshot wounds. One bullet entered his left posterior shoulder, while a second, fatal shot entered his right back and pierced his lung.
“This incident is understandably concerning for our community, and our thoughts remain with all those affected,” said Chief Dan Ferrell of the Cobb County Police Department. “We are thankful that no officers were injured and remain committed to transparency and a thorough, independent review as the process moves forward.”
Allegedly, Eatmon’s family have not received meaningful updates from the investigators. Witness Kyler Ross told WSTB-TV that he had heard between six and eight gunshots.
“Does it have to be that extreme for shoplifting?” Ross asked WSB-TV. “Are you supposed to end up dead because you’re shoplifting?”
Eatmon was originally from Jasper, Alabama. He was a defensive back at Iowa Western Community College and the University of West Florida. He would have turned 26 in July.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation did not respond to The Sentinel’s request for comment.
