FOREST PARK, Ga. – In a chilling incident that unfolded at a Church’s Chicken restaurant on Flakes Mill Road, a brave employee lost his life while protecting his coworkers during a robbery. The tragic events of December 18, 2010, left the community in shock and led to a cold case that would eventually be solved years later.
The Robbery and Murder
On that fateful evening, two masked men stormed into the Church’s Chicken establishment, their faces hidden behind fabric. Armed with guns, they demanded entry to the safe. As terrified employees looked on, 23-year-old Gary Andrews, a dedicated worker, sprang into action. While the suspects confronted the cashier, Andrews guided his coworkers to safety, urging them to hide in the freezer.
But heroism came at a cost. Andrews attempted to intervene when one of the robbers put a gun to another employee’s head. In a selfless act, he stepped forward, only to be shot twice. Bleeding and wounded, he collapsed on the restaurant floor.
The duo seized cash from the register and fled, leaving Andrews fighting for his life. Despite the efforts of first responders, he succumbed to his injuries. The community mourned the loss of a young man who had risked everything to protect his colleagues.
Years of Silence
The case went cold, frustrating investigators and leaving Andrews’ family without closure. It wasn’t until two years later that the DeKalb County Police Department’s Cold Case Unit received a crucial tip. The FBI learned of 33-year-old Rashad Rogers, a resident of Forest Park, who was allegedly involved in the robbery and murder.
An informant revealed that Rogers, along with two accomplices named Clifford Jackson and Clifford Durham, had visited his home on the night of the crime. They carried a substantial amount of money, and their conversation hinted at their involvement. Overheard words haunted the informant: “He shouldn’t have moved; I had to do it.”
Justice Served
In November 2012, Rogers, Jackson, and Durham faced federal charges related to a bank robbery. Murder warrants were issued for Rogers and Jackson in 2013. Jackson later pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and received a 20-year prison sentence. Rogers, however, faced a graver fate.
In a courtroom, justice prevailed. Rogers was found guilty of malice murder and felony murder. His sentence: life behind bars. The community breathed a collective sigh of relief, knowing that the man responsible for Andrews’ death would never walk free again.
Gary Andrews’ sacrifice remains etched in the memory of Forest Park. His courage in the face of danger exemplified the best of humanity. As we reflect on this tragic chapter, we honor his memory and the resilience of those who continue to serve and protect our communities.
