(MARIETTA, Ga. — Feb 28, 2025) — A Cobb County jury has convicted Donovan Carter of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony for the ambush killing of Kenneth Cunningham Jr. in Marietta.

Superior Court Judge Julie Jacobs sentenced Carter to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus five years.

On Jan. 3, 2024—Cunningham’s birthday—Carter disguised himself as an Amazon delivery driver and used an app-based phone number to lure Cunningham out of his apartment in Marietta. Wearing all black clothing, a hooded sweatshirt, a face mask, and a blue Amazon vest, Carter ambushed Cunningham outside the package room and shot him multiple times in the back as he attempted to flee. Carter then fled to a nearby QuikTrip, where he had parked his vehicle, and drove back to Gwinnett County.

Marietta police responded within minutes, aided by two off-duty officers who lived at the complex and heard the gunfire. Lead investigator, Detective Lindsey and other detectives canvassed the area, recovered the Amazon vest Carter discarded and secured surveillance footage of the shooting and his getaway vehicle.

Investigators identified Carter as the suspect using video surveillance and forensic evidence. A fingerprint found on a pedestrian gate Carter jumped over just before the shooting was matched to him. Later that day, Marietta Police located Carter in Gwinnett County and recovered the murder weapon from his residence.

Through witness statements, investigators determined Carter was motivated by jealousy over an ex-girlfriend who had begun dating Cunningham. Carter had previously threatened Cunningham using another app-based phone number and had surveilled the apartment complex the night before the shooting.

“This was a calculated and senseless act fueled by jealousy,” said Cobb District Attorney Sonya F. Allen. “I commend Assistant District Attorneys Jay Winkler and Kim Myers for their work on this case. I also want to recognize the Marietta Police Department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for their thorough investigation, which led to the defendant’s capture.”

“This defendant planned a cold and calculated murder out of jealousy and a desire for control,” Senior Assistant District Attorney Jay Winkler said. “What should have been a day of celebration for Mr. Cunningham turned into a tragedy for his loved ones because of the defendant’s selfish actions. We hope this verdict and sentence provide some measure of comfort to his family and friends as they continue to heal.”