Atlanta police officer Kevin Stroner shoots & kills girlfriend, Moriah Cardona, then self in murder-suicide as concerned friends find couple’s bodies after last seen at Christmas party.
A Georgia police officer is alleged to have shot and killed his girlfriend before turning the murder weapon on himself, in a suspected murder-suicide. The gun violence comes days after the couple were last seen at a Christmas party.
Authorities were called to the northeast Atlanta home of Atlanta Police Officer Kevin Stroner, 56, on Dec. 28 following a 911 call reporting a disturbing discovery, according to 11Alive. Friends went to the home after losing contact with the couple following a Christmas Day gathering.
One friend told dispatchers that he looked through a bedroom window and saw Stroner and his 44-year-old girlfriend, Moriah Cardona, lying on the floor and not moving. The caller further reported seeing two bodies with a gun between them.
Couple were last seen together at Christmas party only to drop off the radar
‘There are two dead bodies in the back bedroom,’ the caller said. ‘There’s blood everywhere, and there’s one gun between the two of them.’
Both Cardona and Stroner were pronounced dead at the scene upon officers arriving at the scene.
The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Tuesday that Cardona’s death was a homicide and that Stroner died by suicide from a gunshot wound, according to CBS News.
Deputy Chief Prenzinna Spann said no one else was inside the home and noted that responding officers were initially unaware Stroner was a police officer. Authorities emphasized the incident appears to be isolated and that there is no danger to the public.
The case remains an active death investigation as officials continue working to determine what led to the apparent murder-suicide.
Fated couple were well liked couple as motive sought
Several residents told 11Alive that Stroner was well-liked in the neighborhood and considered a good neighbor.
Stroner had served with the Atlanta Police Department for 13 years. In 2012, he was recognized by the department for assisting in the arrest of an accused robber and for previously stopping an armed robbery at a Family Dollar store.
Stated a tribute to Moriah, ‘She lived with a spirit that was bold and curious, and unafraid. She was one with nature – whether gardening, hiking, or simply being outdoors, she found peace and purpose in the nature of the world. Her adventurous heart carried her across the globe, from Berlin to Amsterdam to Japan. She sought out challenges most people would shy away from like getting her Masters of Science – MS, Information Systems J. Mack College of Business. She worked for the Internal Revenue for 24 years! If there was an adventure to be had, Moriah was already on her way!’
Authorities stressed the shooting was an isolated incident with no danger to the public and said they are still working to determine what led to the murder-suicide. The case remains an active death investigation.
