CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. —
The family of an innocent bystander killed at a party say his 8-month-old-son would appreciate it if witnesses would come forward with information about the killer.
Clayton County police continue to investigate the slaying of 21-year-old John Goodrum. He was shot during a party on John Arnold Circle Sunday night. Goodrum died early Monday morning.
He left behind a baby boy, Amir.
"Say hey! Y'all find out who killed my daddy," the victim's father, Julius Goodrum, said as he held up his young grandson.
Relatives said the child hasn't been the same since his father was slain.
"He just sitting waiting on his dad to walk through the door at any time," the elder Goodrum said.
"He was an innocent bystander," Tara Sexion, the baby's mother and John Goodrum's girlfriend said.
Sexion told Channel 2's Tom Jones she hasn't been the same either. She wants the killer to turn to himself in for the sake of her child and for her own peace of mind.
Police said gunfire broke out between two groups of uninvited guests outside the house party. Officers said Goodrum was on the porch and had absolutely nothing to do with the shooting.
Meanwhile, detectives note they have several leads. But they said some people who know what happened are telling conflicting stories. That's why they're asking anyone who knows what happened to come forward. The victim's father is asking the same thing.
"I want justice done. I would like for somebody to be in custody before we bury him," Goodrum said.
Goodrum's family said the victim's little boy is too young to understand what's going on. But when he's older, they think he would appreciate that someone who knew his father's killer helped his family get justice.
"I honestly believe somebody know something. Cause it's too many witnesses out there for them not to know nothing," Sexion said.
Goodrum's funeral is scheduled for Tuesday.
He didn't have life insurance and the family is having a tough time coming up with the funds to pay for his burial. An account has been set up at any Bank of America in the name of Juluis Goodrum. The account number is 334036177244.
WSBTV
