Tragedy struck a quiet neighborhood in northeast Atlanta as a police officer allegedly shot his girlfriend dead before taking his own life. The shocking discovery was made by friends who grew concerned after losing contact with the couple following a Christmas Day party.
On December 28th, authorities were called to the home of Atlanta police officer Kevin Stroner, 56, after a distressing 911 call reported a gruesome scene. Friends who went to check on the couple found Stroner and his 44-year-old girlfriend, Moriah Cardona, lying motionless on the bedroom floor through a window.
When the 911 operator connected the call to an EMS dispatcher, the caller described seeing two bodies on the floor with a gun between them. The man sounded shaken as he reported, “There are two dead bodies in the back bedroom. There’s blood everywhere, and there’s one gun between the two of them.”
The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that Cardona’s death was a homicide while Stroner’s death was ruled as suicide from a gunshot wound. Both individuals were deceased when officers arrived at the scene for a welfare check.
Deputy Chief Prenzinna Spann stated that no one else was present in the home at the time, and authorities were unaware that Stroner was a police officer when responding to the call. The incident is being treated as an isolated event, with no threat to the public, as investigators work to determine the circumstances leading to the tragic murder-suicide.
Neighbors in the community expressed shock and sadness over the incident, describing Stroner as a “great neighbor” and a respected member of the community. Stroner, a 13-year veteran of the Atlanta Police Department, had previously been recognized for his bravery in assisting with arrests and stopping armed robberies.
As for Cardona, neighbors mentioned that they did not know her well, but a friend described her as a “beautiful person.” The motive behind the tragic incident remains unclear as the investigation continues.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741 for support.
For immediate assistance, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org for resources and guidance.
