Buckhead, GA – A father shot and killed his son during an argument over a car door and a dispute involving the victim’s girlfriend. Durante Tolliver, 54, is charged with murder following the shooting of his 32-year-old son, Durante Schofield.
The incident occurred late Wednesday night after Schofield crashed his SUV into a building and then contacted his girlfriend for assistance. She called police anonymously about the crash and later drove Schofield back to his apartment.
Upon arrival, the couple began arguing, leading the girlfriend to call Tolliver for help. Police were dispatched to the scene at 12:22 a.m. and were speaking with the girlfriend when Tolliver arrived.
The father and son appeared calm as they left the apartment together but began arguing again in the parking lot after Schofield allegedly slammed the car door. Tolliver opened fire, claiming he believed Schofield was reaching for a weapon.
Investigators reported that Schofield was searched after the shooting and did not have any firearms. He was shot a total of 12 times.
Schofield’s sister expressed disbelief about her brother’s death. “That’s my big brother, and I will never be able to call him again,” she said.
Neighbors indicated that arguments had occurred in the household before, with prior calls made to police about disturbances. One resident recounted hearing gunshots and chose not to investigate further.
Crime data reveals that at least 17 calls have been made to the residence where Schofield lived. Tolliver is being held without bond following an appearance in court. He faces charges of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, in addition to murder.
