During a search of Connor Mediate’s apartment, police found several ounces of marijuana and THC vape cartridges. They also found the shooting victim’s phone, which contained evidence that he was using the apps Snapchat and Telegram to facilitate drug sales.
Messages shortly before the shooting were from someone using the name “Cam.” Police were able to track the account to 17-year-old Cameron Walker.
“We believe it was a drug related case that they were either there to purchase or rob the suspect,” said Capt. Sean Woods, Alpharetta Police Department.
“They used multiple platforms, but the one that we found the most useful information on was Snapchat. And the biggest thing to tell people is you may think it disappears, nothing disappears and it’s always there for life.”
Police also spoke several witnesses who described hearing multiple gunshots and seeing a dark-colored vehicle. One witness told police that he saw a “black” Porsche Panamera pull into the apartment complex and ask someone for directions.
Another witness told police that she heard a single gunshot followed by someone yelling and then two more gunshots. An additional witness also heard the gunshot and filmed a car leaving the scene.
Police were able to determine that Cameron Walker’s father owns a dark maroon Porsche Panamera. Police were also able to determine that Walker’s phone was in the vicinity of the apartment complex at the time of the shooting.
Messages on Walker’s phone revealed that he wanted to rob Mediate because he had lots of cash and a Rolex.
The phone record search also connected 18-year-old Jonathan Murray to the crime. A search of his phone revealed that he was in the same area as Walker on the night of the shooting. Murray is a teammate of Walker.
“It’s just kind of really shocking and weird to hear that. When I played with them, they were always really nice to me. I would have never though that. We are all just waiting to see what happens,” said high school student Henry Bobe.
At this time, it is unknown if Walker or Murray shot Mediate. Witnesses say they heard 6 gunshots and Mediate was shot 3 times. It is possible that both of the basketball players shot Mediate.
In addition to playing basketball, Murray is a football player and has an offer to play football at Virginia, according to Washington Post.
“It really hurts because these kids are just 17, 18 years old and, I mean, their life is done over just a really poor decision,” concluded Capt. Woods.
Walker had reportedly just signed up to play Division I basketball at George Mason University, but a university spokesperson told CBS46 the offer no longer stands in the following statement:
“We are devastated that a young person in Georgia lost his life and we send our heartfelt condolences to his family. We take these matters with the utmost level of seriousness. Cameron Walker’s family has been notified that he can no longer be considered for admission into the George Mason University men’s basketball program.”
The Milton High School Athletic Director also addressed the allegations on social media:
“The news of 2 of our students being arrested last night is shocking. These events do not reflect what we stand for nor what it means to be a student at Milton HS. We are here for you, prepared to offer resources to students who may be affected by this news.”
UPDATE (CBS46) — A Fulton County judge has denied bond for the two student-athletes accused of killing Connor Mediate.
“It’s just kind of really shocking and weird to hear that. when I played with them they were always really nice to me I would have never thought that. We are all just waiting to see what happens,” said Milton High School Junior Henry Bobe.
The arrests come after a month-long investigation stemming from an Oct. 14 incident at Collingwood Apartments.
Police identified the two Milton High School student-athletes as the alleged assailants.
The teens were arrested right after the conclusion of Milton High School’s season opener game. They are expected to make an appearance in court at 11 a.m. on Thursday.
The case remains under investigation and the Alpharetta Police Department requests that anyone with pertinent information contact the department tip line at 678-297-6307.