Shutterstock
Jatonne Sterling, a member of the Clark Atlanta University baseball team, was shot and killed less than a mile from campus on Tuesday. He was just 20 years old.
The university confirmed Sterling’s death in a statement on social media.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the family, friends and teammates of our student Jatonne Sterling,” CAU said. “Please keep his family and the entire CAU community in your prayers.”
Sterling, who was a sophomore, was gunned down near the Lyke House Cathoic Center. Police responded to a shooting and found Sterling with “several gunshot wounds” in what believed to be “a targeted attack that may have stemmed from a dispute.”
The murder suspect remains on the run.
Our hearts and prayers go out to the family, friends and teammates of our student Jatonne Sterling. Please keep his family and the entire CAU community in your prayers. #WeAreCAU pic.twitter.com/OVrP4QW8bq
— Clark Atlanta Univ. (@CAU) March 1, 2023
Sterling was utility player for the Panthers and majored in computer science.
Before joining the HBCU’s baseball program on scholarship, Sterling was a high school baseball star at Morgan Park high School in Chicago. He helped his team win the 2021 championship before heading to Atlanta.
Earnest Radcliff, who coached Sterling at Morgan Park HS, was heartbroken by the news of his former player’s death.
Jatonne Sterling with his childhood coach. The two first met in Chicago when Sterling was 12. Coach said Sterling shook his hand and said, “I’m going to be your next best player.” The Clark Atlanta sophomore baseball player was shot and killed on Tues. More at 4&6 @ATLNewsFirst pic.twitter.com/IbkBasz6dg
— Zac Summers (@ZacOnTV) March 1, 2023
“I don’t have any words to describe the hurt for this young man,” Radcliff told 11Alive News. “No parent should have to bury their child.”
Our deepest condolences go out to Sterling’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult and tragic time.
