Atlanta police search for person of interest after fatal shooting of 21-year-old Trevales Tolbert Jr.

Investigation centers on February shooting in Pittsburgh neighborhood

Atlanta police are searching for a person of interest in the killing of 21-year-old Trevales “Tre” Tolbert Jr., who was shot in southwest Atlanta and later died at Grady Memorial Hospital. The investigation remains open, and authorities have not publicly identified a suspect or announced any arrests.

The shooting occurred around 3 p.m. on Feb. 15, 2026, at a home on Coleman Street in Atlanta’s Pittsburgh neighborhood, police have said. Officers arriving at the scene found Tolbert suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to Grady, where he died from his injuries.

What is known about the victim and location

Tolbert was a graduate of New Manchester High School. Family representatives have said he was visiting a friend at the time of the shooting and had ties to the residence where it happened, describing a connection to a person they believe was leasing the property.

The family has held a public vigil to maintain attention on the case and to encourage anyone with information to come forward. Relatives have also expressed concerns about safety while the person responsible remains at large.

Police release of information remains limited

More than three weeks after the shooting, police said the investigation was ongoing and indicated they had no additional information ready for release. The department also said an incident report was not yet available when requested. Without a public report, key details remain unclear, including the circumstances leading up to the shooting, whether the victim and shooter knew one another, and whether investigators believe the killing was targeted.

How “person of interest” differs from a suspect

Law enforcement agencies typically use the term “person of interest” to describe an individual who may have information critical to an investigation, may be linked to the events under review, or has not been ruled out. The designation does not necessarily mean the person has been charged with a crime, and it can change as evidence is tested and witnesses are interviewed.

Police have asked anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Atlanta Police Department.

What happens next

In homicide cases, investigators commonly work to establish a timeline, gather and analyze surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and complete forensic testing, including ballistics and digital evidence reviews. As the case moves forward, any public updates are likely to depend on whether police determine probable cause for an arrest warrant or identify credible leads requiring public assistance.

• Case: Homicide investigation into the death of Trevales “Tre” Tolbert Jr., 21
• Date and time: Feb. 15, 2026, about 3 p.m.
• Location: Coleman Street, Pittsburgh neighborhood, southwest Atlanta
• Status: Active investigation; person of interest sought; no arrest announced