by ATLANTA, GEORGIA — A 54-year-old Georgia father is facing murder charges after allegedly shooting his son 12 times during a late-night argument that began over a slammed car door and a dispute involving the victim’s girlfriend, according to local authorities.
The fatal shooting occurred at an apartment complex in Buckhead, a neighborhood in Fulton County, and has left family members and neighbors shocked.
Police identified the suspect as Durante Tolliver, who is accused of killing his 32-year-old son, Durante Schofield, following an escalating family dispute.
Dispute Began After Crash and Argument
Investigators said the chain of events started late Wednesday night when Schofield crashed his SUV into the side of a building. After the accident, he reportedly called his girlfriend for help.
The woman allegedly phoned police anonymously to report the crash before driving Schofield back to his apartment. Once there, the couple began arguing inside the home, prompting her to call Tolliver — Schofield’s father — to help calm him down, according to reports.
Police arrived at the apartment around 12:22 a.m., and while they were speaking to the girlfriend, Tolliver showed up and went inside to talk to his son. At that point, both men appeared calm and decided to step outside together to leave in Tolliver’s vehicle.
Argument Turns Deadly in Parking Lot
However, investigators say things quickly took a violent turn once the pair reached the parking lot. Schofield allegedly slammed his father’s car door, reigniting the argument.
Police said the dispute escalated, and Tolliver pulled out a gun, firing multiple shots at his son. Officers later confirmed that Schofield was shot 12 times and collapsed near the vehicle.
When questioned, Tolliver told police he opened fire because he believed his son was reaching for a gun. But after the shooting, investigators said no weapons were found on or near Schofield’s body.
Sister Says Family Is Devastated
The victim’s sister, Dee Clyburn, told the family is struggling to comprehend the tragedy.
“I wouldn’t have ever imagined, not in a hundred years, would I have thought that this was the phone call I was getting,” Clyburn said. “That’s my big brother, and I will never be able to call him again.”
She described Schofield as “the proud father of two kids”, adding that the loss has left his children heartbroken.
Neighbors Recall Hearing Multiple Gunshots
Neighbors in the Buckhead apartment complex reported hearing the confrontation before the shooting erupted. Several residents told reporters that loud arguing could be heard from inside the apartment.
One neighbor told WANF that the gunfire broke out suddenly:
“I heard pop, pop, pop, pop… but I did not want to go see. I didn’t get up out of bed. I didn’t go outside. I just stayed where I was.”
According to Atlanta Police Department crime data, at least 17 police calls have been made to the same residence in the past — suggesting a history of disturbances at the location.
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Suspect Facing Multiple Charges
Tolliver was taken into custody at the scene without incident and appeared in court last week. Authorities confirmed he is being held without bond at the Fulton County Jail.
In addition to murder, Tolliver faces charges of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, according to court documents.
Officials have not yet released additional details on whether any prior domestic incidents between the father and son were reported before the fatal confrontation.
Community Reacts to Tragic Family Violence
The incident has drawn local attention as another example of domestic disputes in Georgia turning fatal. Law enforcement experts have emphasized that heated family arguments can quickly escalate when firearms are involved, urging community members to seek help before conflicts turn violent.
Police say the investigation remains ongoing as they continue gathering evidence and reviewing surveillance footage from the apartment complex.
Anyone with further information about the case is urged to contact Atlanta Police or Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta.
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