ATLANTA, GA – A night marked by escalating disputes and mounting frustration ended in tragedy at a Buckhead apartment complex, where authorities say a father fatally shot his adult son following a series of heated confrontations.
The dramatic chain of events began late Wednesday, when Durante Schofield, 32, crashed his SUV into the side of his apartment building. After the accident, Schofield reached out to his girlfriend, who made an anonymous call to police about the wreck and then brought him back home. Once inside, however, tension between the couple erupted into a loud argument, prompting the girlfriend to reach out to Schofield’s father, Durante Tolliver, 54, hoping he could help de-escalate the conflict.
Responding to the crash, police had already arrived at the complex around midnight and were speaking with the girlfriend when Tolliver showed up. Investigators said upon his arrival, Tolliver found his son agitated but convinced him to step outside so they could talk privately and leave the scene together.
The uneasy truce quickly dissolved in the apartment parking lot. As father and son approached Tolliver’s vehicle, Schofield reportedly slammed a car door, reigniting their argument. According to law enforcement, the quarrel intensified rapidly, and then violence erupted.
Officers say Tolliver drew a handgun and fired multiple rounds at his son. Tolliver told investigators he thought Schofield might have been reaching for a weapon in his waistband, prompting him to shoot. However, authorities confirmed that no gun or any weapon was found on Schofield after the shooting.
Multiple gunshots were heard by nearby residents, who said the commotion woke them but kept them inside their homes. Despite efforts by emergency responders, Schofield was pronounced dead at the scene, having suffered a dozen gunshot wounds.
The apartment where the incident occurred had a history of police responses, with data showing at least 17 prior calls for service to the unit. Neighbors recalled hearing previous arguments and expressed concern that the ongoing domestic disturbances might one day end badly.
Schofield’s family now grieves his loss. His sister shared that the shock of his death is especially hard to bear, remembering him as a loving father of two.
Tolliver was arrested at the scene and faces charges of murder, aggravated assault, and firearm possession during the commission of a felony. He was denied bond at his court appearance and remains behind bars as police continue their investigation.
The incident has left residents in the typically quiet complex unsettled, raising renewed questions about the warning signs leading up to the fatal night and what more might have been done to prevent it.