The quiet rhythm of a Stone Mountain neighborhood was violently interrupted on the morning of Monday, May 19, 2025, when a domestic-related shooting claimed the life of 48-year-old Terrance Kinard. As the day unfolded, residents on Salem Drive and surrounding areas would come to learn that what they heard in the early hours—a loud noise that many mistook for something mundane—was in fact the final moment in a man’s life. That man, now identified by Gwinnett County police as Kinard, was pronounced dead on the scene, the victim of a gunshot wound sustained during what authorities are calling a domestic dispute.
The news of Kinard’s death has cast a somber pall over the local community and prompted questions about what led to the violence, who was involved, and whether justice will be pursued through the criminal court system. As of now, no charges have been filed in connection with the shooting, but the case remains open and active as detectives from the Gwinnett County Police Department’s Homicide Unit work to determine the precise sequence of events that led to this deadly encounter.
A Routine Morning Shattered
According to official reports, the fatal shooting occurred around 7:50 a.m., just as many residents were starting their day. It was in the midst of this ordinary morning routine—getting children ready for school, preparing for work, or sipping a first cup of coffee—that police received a 911 call alerting them to a person shot in a residential area on Salem Drive. Officers from the South Precinct were dispatched immediately, arriving on scene within minutes.
There, on the property referenced in the emergency call, police discovered Terrance Kinard suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Emergency medical responders were also summoned, but despite their efforts, Kinard was pronounced dead at the scene. The crime scene quickly became the focus of intense investigative activity as homicide detectives, crime scene technicians, and personnel from the Medical Examiner’s Office coordinated their efforts to document and collect evidence.
The early hours of any homicide investigation are critical, and in this case, law enforcement authorities moved with caution but clarity. The scene was secured to preserve physical evidence, including shell casings, potential weapons, and any other forensic materials that could shed light on what had occurred. Investigators photographed the area extensively and began the delicate task of interviewing witnesses—neighbors, possible relatives, or acquaintances who might have seen or heard anything pertinent.
Not a Random Act
From the beginning, police emphasized that the shooting did not appear to be a random act of violence. Instead, preliminary evidence suggested that the incident arose from a domestic dispute—an unfortunate but not uncommon catalyst for violence, particularly when tempers flare and rational thought gives way to aggression. While the specific nature of the relationship between Kinard and the individual involved in the shooting has not been publicly disclosed, it is clear from police statements that the two men knew each other.
One man was taken into custody at the scene for questioning, but authorities have not released his identity, nor have they confirmed his relationship to Kinard. As of Tuesday, May 20, 2025, that individual remained uncharged, and police noted that the investigation remains active and ongoing.
This lack of immediate charges does not necessarily signal inaction. In fact, it often reflects the methodical pace required in homicide cases—especially those involving potentially complex relational dynamics and questions of motive, intent, and self-defense. Before any prosecutorial decisions are made, police and district attorneys typically await a complete autopsy report, ballistics analysis, toxicology results, and additional investigative findings. In this instance, the role of the Medical Examiner’s Office is central, as it will confirm the exact cause and manner of death, which may provide clarity on whether the shooting was premeditated, reactive, or legally justified under Georgia law.
The Neighborhood Responds
The neighborhood surrounding Salem Drive is not typically associated with violent crime, which made the news of Kinard’s death all the more shocking to residents. Many who live in the area described it as a quiet, family-friendly community where neighbors are familiar with one another and rarely experience disturbances of this nature.
In conversations with local media, some residents recounted hearing a loud noise early Monday morning but said they did not initially realize it was gunfire. “I thought it might have been a car backfiring,” one neighbor remarked. “But then I saw the police arrive, and we all knew something terrible had happened.”
As word spread that a man had been killed, sadness and unease settled over the community. For those who knew Kinard personally—or even just in passing—the news brought a heavy sense of loss. While his full biography and personal history have not yet been publicly shared, his name alone has now become associated with a tragedy that resonates far beyond his immediate circle.
Other residents expressed concern over the domestic nature of the incident, noting that such disputes, when left unresolved, can quickly spiral out of control. “It’s heartbreaking to think that a disagreement between two people who knew each other ended like this,” another resident commented. “You just don’t expect it to go that far.”
The Investigation Continues
Gwinnett County authorities have made clear that their investigation is thorough and far from over. Detectives are analyzing all available evidence to construct a timeline of events, a process that involves reviewing 911 call recordings, canvassing the neighborhood for surveillance footage, and speaking with anyone who may have observed interactions between Kinard and the other individual prior to the shooting.
Such cases can hinge on nuanced details: the tone of an argument, whether any threats were made, whether a weapon was drawn in self-defense, and the precise positioning and trajectory of the gunshot. If surveillance footage or audio recordings are available, they may provide pivotal clarity. Similarly, any statements made by the individual in custody could also shape the direction of the investigation.
To that end, police are actively seeking the assistance of the public. They have asked anyone with information about the incident to come forward, emphasizing that even seemingly minor observations could prove vital. Witnesses or individuals with relevant knowledge can contact Gwinnett County detectives directly at 770-513-5300. For those who prefer anonymity, Crime Stoppers Atlanta provides a confidential tip line at 404-577-TIPS (8477) and accepts tips through its website at www.stopcrimeATL.com. Financial rewards are available for information that leads to arrest and indictment, offering further encouragement to those hesitant to get involved.
Authorities have not indicated when they expect the investigation to be complete. Depending on the complexity of the case and the volume of evidence, it may take days or even weeks before all facts are fully established and a determination is made about whether criminal charges will be filed.
Domestic Disputes and Deadly Outcomes
The tragedy of Terrance Kinard’s death is, sadly, part of a broader pattern seen across the nation: domestic disputes escalating into fatal violence. Law enforcement officials and advocacy groups alike frequently stress the importance of early intervention, mediation, and access to support services in situations involving relational conflict. Too often, underlying tensions go unaddressed until it is too late.
While the specific dynamics of Kinard’s final encounter remain unclear, the categorization of the incident as “domestic-related” underscores the need for increased awareness and preventative strategies. These may include counseling services, community education, and resources for conflict resolution—all aimed at defusing potentially volatile situations before they become deadly.
Many in the community have echoed this sentiment in the wake of the shooting. Local leaders have urged residents to seek help when navigating tense personal relationships and to recognize warning signs that may indicate a situation is reaching a dangerous tipping point.
A Life Cut Short
As the legal process unfolds, and as investigators continue their work behind the scenes, those who knew and loved Terrance Kinard are left to grapple with his sudden and violent loss. At 48 years old, he still had decades of life ahead of him—years that might have been spent with family, friends, or contributing to the community in ways now forever unrealized.
Obituaries often aim to encapsulate a life: to share memories, mark accomplishments, and honor the unique individual behind the name. In this case, however, Kinard’s obituary must also acknowledge the stark fact of his death, a life ended not by illness or accident, but by the pull of a trigger during a confrontation that should never have reached that point.
As is often the case in such tragedies, the final moments loom large in public discussion. But for those who knew Kinard best, his legacy will not be confined to how he died, but rather to who he was—the sum total of a lifetime of relationships, experiences, and personal growth.
Details about memorial services or funeral arrangements have not been publicly shared, but in the coming days, it is likely that loved ones will gather to pay tribute, to share stories, and to mourn a life taken too soon. In those gatherings, the pain of grief will be met with the solace of memory, even as questions about justice remain unanswered.
Waiting for Answers—and Justice
As Tuesday turned into Wednesday and another day passed without charges being filed, community members and observers are left in a state of suspended anticipation. What will the investigation reveal? Was the shooting an act of self-defense, or something else entirely? Will charges be brought, or will this case ultimately close without prosecution?
Such questions are now in the hands of Gwinnett County authorities and, ultimately, the district attorney’s office. What is clear, however, is that a life was lost—and that loss has left a profound impact on everyone connected to this story, from family members to neighbors to the law enforcement officers now tasked with delivering answers.
For now, the house on Salem Drive where the incident took place remains under scrutiny, a quiet structure now marked by tragedy. And as Terrance Kinard’s name enters the public record not for what he accomplished in life, but for the manner of his death, his story becomes yet another reminder of the fragile boundary between peace and violence, and the urgent need for care, communication, and accountability in all human relationships.
In the days to come, there may be further updates, additional evidence, or the filing of charges. But whether the legal outcome brings resolution or not, the core truth remains: a man is gone, his life cut short by gunfire in a place where he should have been safe. And for his family, friends, and the broader Stone Mountain community, that loss will not be easily forgotten.
