Georgia Tech student’s killing was ‘targeted act,’ police say

Georgia Tech officials identified the student as Akash Banerjee, 22. Police said Banerjee died Tuesday after a Sunday evening argument that escalated into gunfire at the end of that hallway.

Credit: Atlanta Police Department

Credit: Atlanta Police Department

Surveillance footage showed the man, who police have not named but identified as a person of interest, walking down the hallway about 10 minutes before the shooting. Police say they believe an object protruding from his sweatpants was a firearm. Smith said he was unsure how the man entered the building, which requires a key card, but confirmed he was inside before Banerjee.

“He was in the hallway well before the victim arrived,” Smith said, “which is why we believe the victim was targeted.”

The man had previously visited the apartment complex looking for Banerjee, according to police. Smith said the man and Banerjee had a relationship, but investigators are still working to determine its nature.

Banerjee has a criminal history, Smith said. Police are exploring it as a possible connection but provided no further details.

In a 911 audio recording obtained by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, a caller reporting the incident said a bloodied, nonresponsive man was lying on the ground of the ninth-floor hallway. “I don’t know if he’s dead or in a coma, but I don’t want to open the door. I don’t want to get shot,” the caller said. “There is blood around his head or neck and on the wall.”

The Georgia Tech campus is just blocks from the Midtown housing complex.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of one of our students. This loss is felt across our community, and our hearts go out to the student’s family, friends and loved ones. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the medical professionals who provided such dedicated care,” the school said in a statement Tuesday.

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