Tragic Murder-Suicide in Atlanta
A police officer in Georgia reportedly shot his girlfriend before taking his own life. Friends found the couple’s bodies several days after they attended a Christmas party.
On December 28, police were alerted to a grim situation at the home of Officer Kevin Stroner, 56, in northeast Atlanta following a concerning 911 call. Reports detail that friends had lost contact with Stroner and his girlfriend, Moria Cardona, 44, after the party.
When friends checked on them, one looked through a window and saw both lying unresponsive on the bedroom floor.
After a 911 operator passed the call to an EMS dispatcher, the caller described finding two bodies on the floor, along with a gun positioned between them.
“There are two bodies in the back bedroom,” he told the operator, his voice tense. “There’s blood everywhere and a gun between them.”
“I’m not going to speculate, but they’re not moving at all,” he added, clearly in shock.
The Fulton County Coroner’s Office announced that Cardona’s death was classified as a homicide while Stroner’s death was determined to be a suicide by gunshot. When officers arrived, both individuals were found deceased.
Deputy Police Chief Prenzina Spann confirmed that no one else was in the house and noted she was unaware of Stroner’s role as an officer when she arrived on the scene.
Authorities insisted that this incident was contained and posed no threat to the community. Nonetheless, investigations are ongoing to clarify the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
Locals expressed their shock, reflecting on what could have led to such violence. They remembered Stroner as a “great neighbor, but an even better person,” with past accolades for his actions in law enforcement.
In 2012, he was praised for his part in apprehending a robbery suspect, as well as for intervening in an armed robbery at a Family Dollar store. He also received commendations for his efforts in December 2020 for helping catch another suspect.
As for Cardona, neighbors were less familiar with her. A friend described her as a “beautiful person,” though they chose not to speak on camera.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988 or visit the following link: SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
