‘A source of inspiration;’ Beloved Marietta teacher shot to death in downtown Atlanta, police say

MARIETTA, Ga. — A beloved Marietta teacher has died after investigators say he was shot to death in downtown Atlanta.

“Heartbroken.” That was how Marietta Middle School Principal Diona Brown described the news in a Sunday night email to parents about 25-year-old Jason Ogbomoh’s death.

“His passion for teaching was clear in every lesson; his commitment to our students unwavering. At just 25 years old, he had already made a significant impact on our community,” Brown wrote.

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Atlanta police told Channel 2 Action News at 3:04 a.m. Sunday, officers received reports of a person shot on Peachtree Street SW. When officers arrived, they found man who had been shot multiple times. He was taken to the hospital, where he later died.

The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victim as Ogbomoh.

According to the investigation, the shooting began after a dispute escalated to gunfire. Authorities said the shooter ran away from the scene before officers arrived.

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Ogbomoh taught computer science at MMS for two years. Ogbomoh’s presence was one where he was not only seen as a teacher but as a role model, mentor and source of inspiration, according to his principal.

“His ability to connect with students and his enthusiasm for teaching was truly special. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him,” Brown wrote.

Channel 2′s Cobb County Bureau Chief Michele Newell was at Marietta Middle School Monday, where he was being remembered by parents and students.

People who knew him said that when Mr. O walked through the doors, he made students smile and helped them thrive. On several occasions, he gave his lunch to a student if he knew they didn’t eat.

Parent Stacey Doyle said her son has high-functioning autism, and Mr. O went out of his way to help him.

“Because of him, my son has been desiring to pursue more and become more,” Doyle said. “Because of his anxiety, they allowed him to continue with Mr. O this year.”

Doyle’s son wrote a letter about his favorite teacher, saying he was a son, brother and uncle to be proud of and that “he is the reason I am where I am now.”

Doyle said most of Mr. O’s students who loved him dearly called him “Uncle O.”

Principal Diona Brown said Mr. O was “probably one of the favorite, if not the most favorite teacher n our building,” and said he would be greatly missed.

Ogbomoh graduated in 2020 from the University of Georgia with a major in biology with a concentration in neuroscience. He was also pursuing a master’s degree in computer science from Georgia State University.

School officials said that counseling and district support will be provided for students and administration to support students and staff.

Students are writing letters and plan to send them home to Ogbomoh’s family.

The shooting remains under investigation. Police would not say if Ogbomoh and his killer knew each other.

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