In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the community of Alpharetta, Georgia, 21-year-old Jaden Lewis has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of 46-year-old Justin Mourning. The incident, which took place on the evening of September 11, 2024, in the bustling downtown area near Highway 9 and Milton Avenue, has raised concerns about escalating violence and the fragility of confrontations that can suddenly turn deadly.
According to law enforcement, the fatal shooting was the culmination of a heated verbal argument between two individuals, with Mourning losing his life after being shot during the altercation. The Alpharetta Police Department, which responded promptly to the scene, launched an intensive investigation that culminated in the arrest of Jaden Lewis less than 24 hours after the shooting occurred. The swift resolution of the case was made possible, in large part, due to the cooperation of local citizens, witnesses, and key evidence that included dashcam footage capturing the suspect at the scene.
The initial call to authorities came in just after 7 p.m. on Wednesday evening, as residents and passersby reported the sound of gunfire in the area. Upon their arrival, Alpharetta police officers discovered Justin Mourning suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where, despite the efforts of medical staff, he succumbed to his injuries. The incident, which occurred in a normally peaceful part of downtown Alpharetta, has left the community grieving the loss of a man described by friends and family as a devoted father, colleague, and well-respected member of the neighborhood.
As investigators pieced together the events leading up to the shooting, they determined that the confrontation between Mourning and Lewis began as a verbal altercation on the roadway. It appears that a disagreement between the two men escalated rapidly, with neither party willing to back down. Witnesses recalled hearing raised voices and seeing the two men shouting at each other as they navigated the streets near Highway 9. Mourning, who was driving a sedan, and Lewis, who was riding a motorcycle, reportedly exchanged heated words, with tensions escalating to a point where the situation spiraled out of control.
One witness, who chose to remain anonymous, stated, “I was walking nearby when I heard shouting. It seemed like they were arguing about something to do with driving. Then I heard a gunshot, and everything happened so fast. People started running, and I saw the motorcycle speed off.” This account was consistent with other witness statements, which suggested that the altercation may have been sparked by a case of road rage, a phenomenon that has been on the rise in urban areas across the United States.
As officers worked to secure the scene and gather evidence, they discovered multiple shell casings, confirming that more than one shot had been fired during the encounter. Meanwhile, investigators spoke with several individuals who had witnessed parts of the incident. One key piece of evidence came from a passerby who had dashcam footage of the suspect. The footage, which captured the moments leading up to and immediately following the shooting, proved to be instrumental in identifying Jaden Lewis as the primary suspect.
The dashcam video shows a male on a motorcycle, dressed in a black jacket with white patches, black pants, a helmet, and gloves. In one chilling frame, the suspect is seen pointing a gun toward the victim’s vehicle. The clarity of the footage, coupled with the testimony of those on the scene, allowed police to quickly track down the suspect. The images, which were later shared with the public to aid in the search, played a pivotal role in locating Lewis and securing his arrest.
Captain Andrew Splawn of the Alpharetta Police Department commented on the significance of the witness-provided evidence, stating, “We are incredibly grateful to the citizens who came forward with information and evidence, particularly the dashcam footage, which was critical in helping us identify the suspect. Without their cooperation, this case could have taken much longer to resolve.”
The arrest of Jaden Lewis took place early on the morning of September 12, 2024, in Milton, Georgia, where he resides. Officers from the Alpharetta Police Department, in coordination with the Milton Police Department, executed a search warrant at Lewis’s home and took him into custody without incident. During the arrest, police recovered additional evidence linking Lewis to the crime, although they have not yet disclosed the specific details of what was found.
Jaden Lewis is now facing multiple charges, including murder and aggravated assault. If convicted, he could face life in prison or even the death penalty, depending on how the case proceeds in the courts. Lewis, who has no prior criminal record, has so far declined to provide a statement to police and has retained legal counsel. His motives for the shooting remain unclear, though investigators continue to explore the circumstances surrounding the argument that led to the deadly confrontation.
The victim, Justin Mourning, was well-known in the Alpharetta community. Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, he had moved to Alpharetta several years ago with his family. Mourning worked as a project manager for a local construction firm and was an active participant in community events. Friends and family members, devastated by his sudden and violent death, have remembered him as a loving father of two children, a hardworking professional, and a man who cared deeply about those around him.
Mourning’s family issued a brief statement following the news of Lewis’s arrest, thanking the police for their swift work and expressing their grief over the loss of a man they described as “the rock of our family.” The family also asked for privacy during this difficult time as they prepare to lay him to rest. A memorial service is being planned for later in the week, and those who knew Mourning are expected to gather to pay their respects and celebrate his life.
Meanwhile, the community of Alpharetta has been left grappling with the reality of such a violent incident occurring in their usually quiet and peaceful town. Many residents have expressed shock and sadness, with some questioning how a simple argument could escalate to such a deadly outcome. Others have raised concerns about the rise in road rage incidents across the country, noting that what happened between Mourning and Lewis is part of a larger trend of aggressive driving and confrontations that too often turn violent.
Captain Splawn addressed these concerns in a press conference following Lewis’s arrest, stating, “We are seeing an increase in incidents where minor disagreements on the road escalate into dangerous situations. We urge everyone in our community to remain calm in these moments, to de-escalate when possible, and to avoid confrontations that can lead to tragic outcomes. This was a senseless loss of life, and we hope it serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping our roads—and our tempers—under control.”
As the investigation continues, Alpharetta police are working to piece together the final moments of the altercation between Lewis and Mourning. Detectives are reviewing additional security footage from nearby businesses and conducting further interviews with witnesses to ensure they have a complete understanding of the events leading up to the shooting.
For now, Jaden Lewis remains in custody at the Fulton County Jail, awaiting his first court appearance. Legal experts anticipate that his defense team will likely argue that the shooting was not premeditated but rather a result of a sudden, heated exchange. However, given the severity of the charges and the clear evidence linking Lewis to the crime, his future in the judicial system appears uncertain.
As Alpharetta begins to heal from the trauma of this tragic event, the community is left to reflect on the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of violence.
