Devon Anderson's family is demanding justice in the fatal officer-involved shooting at a bar

SOUTH FULTON, Ga. – The family of 38-year-old Devon Anderson is demanding justice, nearly two months after his fatal shooting outside a bar on Old National Highway. Anderson's family is now calling for an Atlanta police officer to be charged with his murder.

“It's been two months since my son passed away on October 5th, and I still don't know what happened to my son,” said Valerie Lans Anderson, the victim's mother, who expressed her grief and frustration. “The pain of losing my son is indescribable,” she added.

South Fulton police charged Melvin Potter, 30, an off-duty Atlanta Police Department officer, with obstruction after he refused a blood draw the morning of the shooting. However, no charges were filed against Potter in connection with Anderson's death.

“He has not been charged. He still has a job, why?” Valerie Anderson questioned. “Is Melvin Potter's life worth more than my son's?” Is Melvin Potter above the law?”

Devon Anderson (family photo)

The South Fulton Police Department asked the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to take over the case. The GBI confirmed its investigation is ongoing.

Activist Devin Barrington-Ward raised concerns about procedural issues, highlighting that warrants for Potter's blood were denied by Grady Memorial Hospital and the Fulton County Jail. “Why those warrants were denied because of Mr. Potter's blood … that was critical evidence that was needed,” Barrington-Ward said.

The South Fulton police chief also confirmed that his department submitted a warrant for Potter's blood, but it was rejected by both facilities. Once the GBI completes its investigation, the case will be turned over to Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to consider possible charges.

“I need justice for my son and I’m not going anywhere until I get justice,” Valerie Anderson said.

Melvin Potter is charged with obstruction

Melvin Potter (Fulton County Sheriff's Office)

Atlanta police officer Melvin Potter was charged Aug. 5 with willful obstruction of law enforcement officers, a misdemeanor.

The charges were filed in connection with an incident at a bar in the 5000 block of Old National Highway in South Fulton. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Potter was walking someone to his car when he got into an argument with another group of people. The situation escalated with gunfire.

At least one of those shots struck a person named Anderson, who was subsequently taken to an area hospital and later died.

According to the Atlanta Police Department, Potter was relieved of duty after police learned of his involvement in the shooting.