Birthdays are supposed to be a fresh start. For Kenneth Cunningham II, January 3, 2024, was meant to be a milestone—his 40th birthday. His family had even flown into Atlanta from Chicago to surprise him, a secret celebration he never got to see. Instead of a party, they were met with a crime scene tape and the news that "Little Kenny," as they called him, was gone.
The details of what went down at the Harlow Apartments off Cobb Parkway are honestly chilling. It wasn't just a random act of violence or a robbery gone wrong. It was a cold, calculated hit that used a uniform as a weapon of deception.
Basically, the whole thing started with a fake delivery.
The Morning of January 3: A Calculated Trap
It was around 10:30 a.m. Kenneth lived at the Harlow Apartments, a busy complex near the intersection of Windy Hill Road and Cobb Parkway in Marietta. Police say 33-year-old Donavan Carter drove over an hour from Gwinnett County with a very specific, dark plan.
Carter didn't just show up. He wore a delivery driver uniform—later described by witnesses as looking like an Amazon worker.
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The rouse worked.
Kenneth was lured out of his apartment under the impression that a package was waiting for him at the leasing office. He went to check. The staff told him they didn't have anything for him. As he stepped back outside, the "driver" was waiting.
Why Kenneth Cunningham II Atlanta Became a National Headline
People search for Kenneth Cunningham II Atlanta because the cruelty of the case stands out even in a city that sees its fair share of crime. Kenneth was shot multiple times, with reports indicating he was struck at least five times, some in the back, while he was trying to run away.
The motive? Jealousy. Pure and simple.
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Marietta police confirmed that Kenneth had recently started dating Carter's ex-girlfriend. That’s it. That was the "reason" a man’s life was ended on his 40th birthday.
The investigation moved fast.
- Marietta Police used K-9 units and license plate readers.
- Six different agencies coordinated across county lines.
- Carter was spotted and pulled over by Gwinnett County Police that same night.
- By the next morning, he was booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center.
Carter was charged with malice murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
A Family Devastated by History Repeating
This loss hit the Cunningham family particularly hard because Kenneth and his sister, KaRita, were no strangers to tragedy. They had lost their mother to cancer when they were just teenagers. Kenneth was described as the glue—funny, outgoing, and fiercely protective of his family.
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He leaves behind a young nephew, Dallas. His family eventually set up a GoFundMe to help with funeral costs and to start a college fund for Dallas, hoping to turn a moment of senseless violence into some kind of future security for the next generation.
What This Case Teaches Us About Modern Safety
Honestly, this story changes how you look at a knock at the door or a "package waiting" notification. In an era where we get dozens of deliveries a month, the "delivery man ruse" is a terrifyingly effective tactic for criminals.
The Harlow Apartments case is a stark reminder that personal disputes can escalate into premeditated crimes that spill into public spaces. Marietta Police Sergeant Chuck McPhilamy noted the "audacity" of the shooter to put on a costume and drive across the metro area to commit such a violent act in broad daylight.
If you’re following this case or live in the Atlanta/Cobb County area, here is what you should know about staying safe in similar environments:
- Verify Deliveries: If you aren't expecting a package, don't rush out to meet a driver. Check your apps first.
- Leasing Office Protocol: Most modern complexes have secure lockers (like Luxer One). If a "driver" tells you to come to the office because they can't get in, but the office says they have nothing, stay in a populated, visible area.
- Domestic/Relationship Red Flags: If you or someone you're dating is dealing with an obsessive or threatening ex, take it seriously. Document everything.
Kenneth Cunningham II didn't do anything wrong. He was a man living his life, celebrating a big birthday, and looking forward to the future. His story is a tragedy of jilted ego and the devastating impact of gun violence in suburban communities.
For those looking to support the family or follow the legal proceedings, the Cobb County Superior Court handles the ongoing prosecution of Donavan Carter.