Pizza delivery driver killed in Lawrenceville

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — Police are searching for the person who killed a pizza delivery driver in Lawrenceville late Tuesday night.

Officers were called to 1400 Herrington Road after neighbors heard gunshots shortly before midnight. They found 28-year-old Shane Varnadore of Buford dead of a gunshot wound.

Varnadore was a delivery driver for Papa Johns, who was at the complex to make a delivery.

Detectives say the motive for the homicide appears to be robbery.

Varnadore’s mother can’t understand why this happened. She says she saw him on Sunday and never imagined that would be the last time.

“He was just out there trying to make a living. It just doesn't make any sense,” Teresa Varnadore said. “I know my son. He would have given it to them willingly.”

She says her son had worked for Papa Johns for seven years. She described him as energetic, athletic and creative.

“He had a lot of friends. He was friendly, outgoing and kind,” she said.

Teresa Varnadore says she’s in shock and she has no idea how she’d going to tell her granddaughter what happened.

“He was like her favorite person. She loved her uncle Shane,” she said. “I don’t know how we are going to explain this to her. She doesn’t understand. I don’t understand how this could happen. It just doesn’t seem real.”

Detectives are following several leads in the investigation and asking for witnesses in the complex to come forward.

As of Wednesday afternoon, officers said they have several people of interest in custody.

“I just want whoever did this to pay for what they’ve,” Teresa Varnadore said.

Papa Johns sent a statement, saying: "We are extremely saddened to hear of the tragic loss of our team member and friend. Our thoughts go out to his family members, teammates and friends during this difficult time. We are working in full cooperation with local authorities in their efforts to apprehend those involved in this senseless act."

Teresa Varnadore says the company should re-think what time and how they make deliveries.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 404 577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestoppersatlanta.org. Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment in the case.

Cox Media Group