Nationwide — Malcolm Freeling, a 31-year-old African American father of 7 from Griffin, Georgia, was fatally shot during a gathering at a local park. Police are investigating the shooting as they work to identify the person responsible and determine what led to the deadly gunfire.
Griffin police arrived at Raymond Head Park on Anne Street shortly after 10 p.m. Saturday after receiving reports of shots fired. Officers found Freeling suffering from a gunshot wound when they reached the scene.
Emergency responders transported Freeling to Wellstar Spalding Regional Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Authorities said the shooting occurred while people were gathered at the park, according to Fox 5 Atlanta.
Police have not released details about a possible motive or what happened before the shooting. Investigators have also not identified any suspects or confirmed whether any weapons were recovered.
Freeling leaves behind his wife and 7 children. A GoFundMe campaign was created to help the family cover funeral expenses and give him a proper burial. It has so far raised nearly $200.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact authorities.