Man Charged With Murder After Parking Lot Punch Leaves Riverdale Victim Dead

RIVERDALE, Ga. — A man has been charged with felony murder after an alleged assault outside a Riverdale restaurant left another man dead days later, according to the Riverdale Police Department.

Officers responded at approximately 9 p.m. on June 9, 2026, to a report of an unresponsive person in the parking lot of a business located at 6380 Georgia Highway 85.

When officers arrived, they found Charles Chandler lying on the pavement and completely unresponsive.

Employees told police they were alerted to the situation by customers who noticed Chandler on the ground outside the restaurant.

According to investigators, the preliminary investigation revealed that Chandler had been involved in an encounter in the parking lot with another man. During the confrontation, the suspect allegedly punched Chandler, causing him to fall and strike his head on the concrete.

Police said the suspect fled immediately after the assault in a maroon Dodge Challenger, leaving Chandler critically injured.

Emergency medical personnel transported Chandler to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he remained unconscious. Although initially listed in stable condition, Chandler died from his injuries on June 12.

Riverdale Police Department Criminal Investigations Division detectives continued investigating the case and identified the suspect as 28-year-old Calvin Deonte Edwards.

Edwards was taken into custody and charged with Aggravated Assault and Felony Murder. He was transported to the Clayton County Jail for booking.

Detectives are continuing to gather evidence as they prepare the case for presentation to the Clayton County District Attorney’s Office.

Anyone with additional information about the incident is asked to contact the Riverdale Police Department Criminal Investigation Division.

The Riverdale Police Department expressed its condolences to Chandler’s family as the investigation continues.