DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A DeKalb County pastor is remembering a man he describes as a gentle, kind-hearted soul after he was killed in a deadly confrontation last month.
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Omer Mohammed Ahmadi, 42, was known to his church community as Ephrem. He leaves behind a 7-year-old daughter.
Father Gabriel Tannous of St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church said Ahmadi was a quiet, artistic man who was known for his kindness.
“He was a beautiful, nice, gentle soul,” Tannous said.
Tannous baptized Ahmadi about five years ago and said the loss has been devastating for the church community.
Police have charged Parke Russell in connection with Ahmadi’s killing.
According to the arrest affidavit, investigators say Russell came outside with a gun and took a swing at Ahmadi — who tried to get away.
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Investigators say Ahmadi was unarmed and never stepped onto Russell’s property.
Russell’s family, however, is sharing its account of what happened.
In an online fundraiser, the family alleges that Russell, 25, and his girlfriend were followed home by a stranger in the middle of the night. The fundraiser is seeking money to help pay for Russell’s legal defense.
Efforts to reach Russell’s attorney and the person organizing the fundraiser were unsuccessful.
Russell remains in jail after a judge denied him bond.
Meanwhile, Tannous said Ahmadi’s death is especially difficult to process because of the young daughter he leaves behind.
“And now a daughter, a seven-year-old girl, doesn’t have a father,” Tannous said. “She was a sweet, sweet girl, and now she’s gonna grow up without her daddy.”
Ahmadi’s funeral was held Monday, with members of his church community gathering to pay their respects.
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