Palmetto Elementary School shooting: Woman shot while delivering food

Mother of 3 killed shot and killed in front of school

Ebony Anderson, a 34-year-old mother of three, was shot and killed while DoorDashing in front of Palmetto Elementary School. Her boyfriend, Christopher Agee, allegedly opened fire while their 17-month-old son was in the vehicle.

PALMETTO, Ga. - Authorities have identified the woman shot and killed outside Palmetto Elementary School as Eboni Anderson.

What we know:

The fatal shooting happened Tuesday morning just outside the Fulton County school, prompting officials to implement a "hard lockdown" shortly after 11 a.m. Officers responding to reports of gunfire found Anderson’s body near the front of the school.

Eboni Anderson (GoFundMe)

Investigators said no students or staff were injured. More than 550 children inside the school were relocated to Bear Creek Middle School before being dismissed for the day.

Law enforcement agencies later tracked down the suspected gunman in Middle Georgia. According to the Warner Robins Police Department, the Houston County Sheriff’s Office apprehended the accused shooter after a brief pursuit that ended when the vehicle crashed.

The suspect was identified as 39-year-old Christopher Loris Ates. He was booked in Houston County on charges including reckless driving, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer and second-degree cruelty to children. Authorities said he also faces charges in Warner Robins, as well as pending charges in Fulton County connected to Anderson’s death.

What they're saying:

According to Anderson's family, Ates and Anderson were in a relationship. 

The morning of the shooting, Anderson was at the school to drop off a food delivery while her 17-month-old son and Ates were in the car.

Anderson also had twin sons who were 8 years old. Anderson's family said she had no connection to the school. 

The family says Ates had served time in prison, was homeless, and, in their opinion, was bringing Anderson down.

Anderson's stepfather, Tariq Robinson, says Anderson owned a weapon and carried it while door-dashing. He believes Ates, whom she met online, used her gun to kill her.

What we don't know:

Police have not publicly discussed a possible motive or confirmed the relationship between Ates and Anderson. 

Dig deeper:

Court records show Ates previously served prison time following a 2006 armed robbery conviction in Houston County.

In a letter to families, Palmetto Elementary Principal Jacqueline Bowens said law enforcement indicated the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute that spilled onto school grounds. She reassured parents that no one inside the building was ever in danger and said staff followed safety procedures as trained.

Counselors and additional support staff are being made available to assist students and employees as classes resume.

What you can do:

The family has set up a GoFundMe account to help pay for her funeral and burial costs.