Suspect in Shooting Near Palmetto Elementary Has Lengthy Criminal Record

Christopher Ates accused of killing Eboni Anderson, a young mother of three, outside the school

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A suspect with a long criminal history has been arrested for the shooting death of a young mother outside Palmetto Elementary School in Atlanta. The victim, Eboni Anderson, leaves behind three young children. The suspect, Christopher Ates, has been charged with several crimes since 2006 including armed robbery, aggravated homicide, and weapons violations.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing challenges of gun violence and public safety around schools, as well as the need for better intervention and support for individuals with extensive criminal histories to prevent such senseless acts.

The details

Authorities say Ates shot and killed Anderson, 34, outside Palmetto Elementary School on Tuesday. Ates allegedly led police on a chase before being apprehended in Houston County. He is set to be extradited to Fulton County to face charges. Anderson's stepfather, Tariq Robinson, said the two had some prior relationship, but that Ates "wasn't trying to go anywhere in life." The school went into lockdown after the shooting, and all students were relocated to a nearby middle school.

  • The shooting occurred on Tuesday outside Palmetto Elementary School.
  • Ates was arrested in Houston County following a police chase.

The players

Christopher Ates

The suspect accused of shooting and killing Eboni Anderson outside Palmetto Elementary School. Ates has a lengthy criminal history dating back to 2006 including charges for armed robbery, aggravated homicide, and weapons violations.

Eboni Anderson

The 34-year-old victim who was shot and killed outside Palmetto Elementary School. Anderson leaves behind three young children.

Tariq Robinson

Eboni Anderson's stepfather, who said Anderson and Ates had some prior relationship but that Ates "wasn't trying to go anywhere in life."

Dr. Mike Looney

Fulton County Schools Superintendent, who praised the district's police chief for the response to the shooting and ensuring the safety of staff.

Mark Sulborski

Fulton County Schools Police Chief, who led the response to the shooting at Palmetto Elementary School.

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What they’re saying

“She was a loving daughter, beautiful always. Eboni had a great heart. Very beautiful, nice and kind to everyone. And it's just a sad day.”

— Tariq Robinson, Eboni Anderson's stepfather (Atlanta News First)

“I am very, very grateful for our chief of Police, Mark Sulborski who is in the audience tonight. His leadership and rallying the police forces around Palmetto elementary school to make sure our staff was safe... and that the suspect was apprehended as soon as possible. So Mark, Thank you so much for your leadership.”

— Dr. Mike Looney, Fulton County Schools Superintendent (Atlanta News First)

What’s next

Ates is set to be extradited to Fulton County to face charges for the shooting. The judge will decide on whether to grant him bail.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for better intervention and support services for individuals with extensive criminal histories, in order to prevent such senseless acts of violence and protect vulnerable communities, especially around schools.