As Anthony Pearson’s Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity brothers begin to plan his funeral, another family is gathering today to lay his shooter to rest.
The funeral service for Justin Minnitee, the 23-year-old man Atlanta police say shot and killed Pearson on June 28, is scheduled for today in Decatur.
Minnitee died after fraternity members with concealed carry permits returned fire.
Pearson’s service is scheduled for Saturday, July 12, at The Bank Event Center in Atlanta. Prior to the funeral, the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Chapter Invisible Service will begin at 11:30 a.m.
In addition to planning his homegoing, fraternity brothers launched a fundraiser to support Pearson’s young daughter.
Carl Scott, the organizer, wrote: “AP was more than just a friend or brother; he was a light in every room, a source of joy, wisdom, and realness. He poured love into his people, and now, we’re coming together to pour that love back into what mattered most to him: his daughter, Avery.”
They’ve currently raised $20,000 of their $90,000 goal.
A shooting in the park
A Saturday evening of fellowship and brotherhood turned into tragedy when a masked man opened fire at a Kappa Alpha Psi picnic, killing the 33-year-old Pearson.
Fraternity members of the Gamma Zeta and Gamma Chi chapters had gathered at Coan Park in the Edgewood neighborhood of Atlanta when a masked man approached the group and started an argument, police said.
According to WSB-TV, when some of the fraternity members tried to deescalate the situation, Minnitee began shooting.
Pearson was reportedly shot in the head and died at the scene. Two women were also reportedly wounded by gunfire but were expected to recover.
Minnitee’s motives remain unknown.
A beloved son, brother and father
Pearson was a member of the Gamma Chi chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, which was founded at Savannah State University. After the fatal shooting, the chapter posted an Instagram message about Pearson and his love for his fraternity and family.
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“Anthony, affectionately known as “AP,” was a beloved father, son, brother, family member and friend. He will be remembered for an energy and light that charged the hearts and spirits of all who encountered him.”
Pearson’s sister told reporters, “He was going to make you feel like family. Everybody was family to him. His aura is unmatched, it’s always going to be unmatched.”
Pearson had reportedly stepped into a leadership role within his family following the death of their father. “When our dad passed, Anthony stepped up. He was the one,” his sister said. “That’s why I call him my little big brother — because let him tell it, he’s the oldest and we have to listen to him.”
Follow Capital B Atlanta for updates on this developing story.
