Birthday Celebration Turns Tragic as Gunfire Erupts Outside Clarkston Club, Killing One

In the early hours of Saturday morning, tragedy struck outside an adult entertainment venue in Clarkston, Georgia, when gunfire shattered what was meant to be a night of celebration. The incident unfolded around 3:55 a.m. at 1353 Brockett Road, leaving one man dead, another critically wounded, and a community grappling with unanswered questions.

The victim has been identified as Gary Matthews, 31, a Lithonia resident who had been celebrating his birthday with friends. What began as a night of laughter and music quickly descended into chaos and violence that ended his life.

According to Clarkston Police, Matthews was sitting inside a car parked outside the club with two other men and two women when the attack began. Witnesses reported seeing a Jeep pull up beside the vehicle, and within moments, two men stepped out and opened fire directly into the car. The barrage of bullets tore through the night, hitting Matthews and one other male passenger before the assailants fled the scene.

When officers arrived, they found Matthews unresponsive in the front seat, struck multiple times by gunfire. Emergency responders attempted to revive him, but it was too late—he was pronounced dead at the scene. The second male victim, whose identity has not yet been released, was found suffering from life-threatening gunshot wounds and was rushed to a nearby hospital. He remains in critical condition, fighting for his life.

The two women in the car miraculously escaped without physical injuries, though police say they are deeply traumatized after witnessing the violent attack. They are cooperating fully with investigators, providing as much information as they can about what happened in those few terrifying seconds.

Officers immediately issued a BOLO (Be On the Lookout) for the Jeep, which fled the scene moments after the shooting. A short pursuit followed, but the vehicle managed to evade capture. Hours later, it was discovered abandoned several miles away. The suspects were nowhere to be found.

At this stage, investigators are still piecing together the motive behind the attack. Was it random? Was Gary Matthews targeted? Or did something happen earlier that night that sparked the deadly confrontation? Police say nothing is clear yet, and they are not ruling anything out.

Detectives are also reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses, hoping to trace the shooters’ movements before and after the incident. Clarkston Detective Feltman is leading the case and has asked anyone with information to come forward by calling 678-431-1472.

Family members of Gary Matthews describe him as a loving son, brother, and friend—a man who loved to celebrate life and make others laugh. He worked hard and was known for his loyalty and kindness. His birthday night was supposed to be one of joy, not tragedy. Instead, his family is now planning a funeral and praying for justice.

Neighbors in Lithonia have expressed shock and sorrow at the news. “Gary didn’t deserve this,” said one longtime friend. “He was the type of guy who brought people together, not someone caught up in violence.”

As the investigation continues, police are urging anyone who was near the club that morning to share what they saw or heard. Even the smallest detail, they say, could help identify the shooters and bring answers to a family now left in mourning.

Meanwhile, the two women who survived remain deeply shaken, grappling with the trauma of seeing a friend lose his life before their eyes. Counselors and victim advocates are working with them to help process what they endured.

For now, the Clarkston community remains on edge, mourning a life lost too soon and demanding accountability for the senseless act of violence. What should have been a celebration of another year for Gary Matthews has instead become a haunting reminder of how quickly joy can turn to tragedy.

Word Count: ~580