Seventeen-year-old J'Von Easterling was shot multiple times on a stationary Midtown MARTA train on June 5 after returning from a Georgia Tech program. A crossbody bag reportedly stopped a potentially fatal chest wound; he has undergone multiple leg surgeries and will need surgery on his hand. Federal prosecutors charged 42-year-old Anthony Gresham with several offenses, saying he fired three shots and fled before being arrested two days later. The case is pending in federal court and the investigation remains active.
Teen Survives Midtown MARTA Shooting After Bag Stops Bullet; Suspect Charged Federally
J'Von EasterlingCredit: Go Fund Me
A 17-year-old boy, identified as J'Von Easterling, was hospitalized after being shot multiple times aboard a stationary MARTA train at Midtown Atlanta on the evening of Friday, June 5. The teenager had been returning from a Georgia Tech science and engineering program when, according to a GoFundMe appeal and federal authorities, he became the victim of a "random and senseless" attack.
J’Von EasterlingCredit: Go Fund Me
Medical responders say Easterling sustained multiple gunshot wounds with extensive injuries to his hand and leg. A crossbody bag worn across his chest reportedly stopped a bullet that may otherwise have been fatal. Doctors performed multiple surgeries on his leg and expect he will need additional surgery on his hand.
Police officers responding to the shooting outside Midtown MARTA station in AtlantaCredit: Atlanta News First/youTube
KIPP Atlanta Schools issued a statement expressing relief that Easterling is recovering and offering support to his family. The school noted he is a rising senior, a state track and field champion, and an active student government leader.
J’Von EasterlingCredit: Go Fund Me
Federal Charges and Arrest
On June 9, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia announced federal charges against 42-year-old Anthony Gresham of Lithia Springs. Gresham faces counts including committing an act of violence with intent to cause serious bodily injury on a mass transportation system, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
According to the federal release, Gresham allegedly walked to where Easterling had been sitting and fired three shots in his direction before fleeing the scene. Authorities arrested Gresham two days later in Douglas County. Prosecutors say he has prior convictions — including armed robbery, aggravated assault, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, theft, and robbery by force — and is legally disqualified from possessing firearms. He is expected to appear in federal court on the charges at a later date.
Context And Ongoing Investigation
The June 5 shooting follows another recent, fatal MARTA incident: prosecutors allege 25-year-old John Elijah Matthews stabbed 66-year-old Margaret Swan to death aboard a train last month. That case and the investigation into Easterling's shooting remain active as federal prosecutors prepare their cases and the community monitors Easterling's recovery.
Authorities ask anyone with information about the June 5 shooting to contact the FBI or local law enforcement to assist ongoing investigations.
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