John Goodwin, a beloved middle school teacher, met a tragic fate last weekend on December 30, leaving the Atlanta community in mourning. The 27-year-old teacher from Fulton County was discovered dead Saturday in southwest Atlanta from a gunshot wound.
Following this news, authorities quickly issued arrest warrants for Denisha Rosser within 24 hours, linking her to the murder. Rosser was subsequently arrested in South Carolina, WSB reported.
As WSB reported, court records revealed a significant relationship between John Goodwin and Denisha Rosser. At one point, they lived together in an apartment in Atlanta.
In the wake of this tragic event, friends, family and colleagues sent tributes, saying how much John Goodwin meant to them.
The community remembers John Godwin
Renaissance Middle School Fairborn Principal Dr. Ava Williams expressed her shock and sadness at his loss. “He was a great man,” she told WSB-TV. “I got along with everyone, all our students, faculty and staff. Everyone loved him.”
Tommy Robinson, his friend and co-worker, said he taught him how to live.
Channel 2's Michael Seiden visited Clark Atlanta University, where John Goodwin earned two degrees and attended campus chapel services. Former classmates shared that while Goodwin was a student at the university, he was known for giving inspiring and moving speeches. Even after he graduated, he was committed to contributing to the campus community. Everyone on campus loved him for it.
Goodwin's students made cards that will be presented to his family during a memorial service, she said.
Funeral dates have not yet been revealed.
The investigation into the death of John Godwin reveals key details
Investigators reported that police were called to Southwood Avenue and Highway 166 on Dec. 30 after receiving reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found Goodwin suffering from a gunshot wound, WSB-TV reported. Even with the quick response by authorities, Goodwin was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities moved quickly in the investigation into Goodwin's death and, within a day, issued arrest warrants for Denisha Rosser. Denisha Rosser, who had a previous relationship with Goodwin, was arrested in South Carolina. She is awaiting extradition to Fulton County, Georgia, to face charges related to Goodwin's murder.
Court records show there was a relationship between Rosser and Goodwin, as they had previously lived together in an apartment in Atlanta. Authorities have not announced a motive for the alleged murder to this date, WSB-TV reported.
