Popular Georgia Teacher Fatally Shot During Suspected Carjacking

A popular Georgia elementary school teacher was gunned outside his apartment in what police believe was a carjacking.

Ricardo Knox, 28, was fatally shot when he returned home to his apartment on Monday night. Accordion to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, police believe he was the victim of a carjacking, spokesman Sargeant Wayne Delk said. Knox was pronounced dead at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital.

Knox was employed as a fourth-grade teacher at T.H. Slater Elementary School. He was known as an inspiration to his students. Knox grew up poor in Southwest Atlanta and used his experiences to connect with his students. He set the example that hard work pays off. 

“His mission was to show other young, black children that you could rise above any circumstances as long as you worked hard,” his cousin Tisa Smith told AJC.

Aside from being a teacher, he was an up and coming fashion designer. Knox’s apartment resembled a designer’s studio, filled with the customized sneakers, sweatshirts, and other pieces he sold online.

No arrests have been made in the shooting death of the beloved teacher. On Thursday, Delk said officials were “actively following up on leads” and that Knox’s death remains under investigation.  

A GoFundMe has been set up by his sister, Diamond Knox, “to continue his purpose.” At this time, the fundraiser is close to its $10,000 goal.