A Georgia father, 54-year-old Durante Tolliver, has been charged with murder for allegedly shooting and killing his adult son, Durante Schofield, 32, following a heated argument at a Buckhead apartment complex last week.
The dispute that ended in the fatal shooting was reportedly sparked by Schofield slamming a car door, compounding an existing fight Schofield was having with his girlfriend. In addition to murder, Tolliver faces charges of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
The tragic events began late Wednesday night when Schofield crashed his SUV into the side of a building. He then contacted his girlfriend for assistance. The girlfriend, who allegedly made an anonymous tip to police about the crash, drove Schofield back to his apartment.
Once inside, the couple began to argue, prompting the woman to call Tolliver to come and help de-escalate the situation. Police were simultaneously called to the residence and were speaking with the girlfriend when Tolliver arrived to speak with his son.
Authorities indicate that initially, the father and son appeared calm and walked out of the apartment together, intending to leave in Tolliver’s vehicle. However, once in the parking lot, the dispute reignited. The argument escalated significantly after Schofield reportedly slammed Tolliver’s car door.
According to investigators, Tolliver then opened fire on his son, claiming to police that he believed Schofield was reaching toward his waistband as if he possessed a gun.
Police later confirmed that Schofield was searched after the shooting and had no weapons on him. Schofield was shot a dozen times, according to the police report.
Tolliver is currently being held without bond.
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