Conyers, Georgia — A tight-knit neighborhood woke up to tragedy early Sunday when 34-year-old Kadarin Ridley was found dead from a gunshot wound in the Callaway Crossing area of northeast Conyers. Police say they were called to 259 Odyssey Turn shortly after reports of a shooting and discovered Ridley unresponsive on the sidewalk near a residence. Officers tried everything they could to save him, but he died at the scene, leaving behind family and friends in deep grief.
The Conyers Police Department quickly alerted detectives and began a homicide investigation at the quiet suburban block where neighbors are still in shock. Officers say the call came in the early hours, and when they arrived, they saw Ridley suffering from obvious wounds. First responders immediately worked to help him, but their efforts were not enough.
As investigators pieced together the incident, authorities identified another person who was present at the scene. That individual has been taken into custody in connection with Ridley’s death, according to police statements. Law enforcement stressed that this was an isolated, targeted incident, and there is no ongoing danger to the wider community.
For many in Conyers and beyond, Kadarin was more than just a name in a police report. Friends and family describe him as a devoted son, a loyal friend, and a warm presence whose laughter and kindness brightened everyday life. They remember him for his gentle spirit and the way he made ordinary moments feel special. His death has cast a long shadow over those who loved him.
In the days after the shooting, neighbors spoke quietly about seeing police tape and detectives at homes two doors down, but most chose to reflect on the man who passed rather than the violence that took him. “He was always friendly,” one said. “Seeing him like that, it’s heartbreaking.”
Local leaders and community members have rallied around Ridley’s family, offering condolences and support. Many recalled how active he was in local events and gatherings, always ready with a smile or a helping hand. His loss has reopened difficult conversations in Conyers about safety, violence, and the irreplaceable value of human life.
As the case moves through the legal system, those closest to Kadarin are focusing on the memories they shared. They speak of shared laughter, family dinners, and quiet moments now held precious. His passing at just 34 years old is a stark reminder that life can shift in an instant, and that love and connection outlast the darkest moments.
In this time of deep sorrow, the community remembers Kadarin not for how he died but for who he was — a cherished person whose absence leaves a lasting void. May his family find strength in each other, comfort in shared stories, and peace in the many lives he touched.
