The cardboard sign appeared on an East Atlanta telephone pole in late May, the words spelled in thick black ink: “HIS NAME WAS PATRICK COTRONA. He’s my brother and a kind and loving son and uncle and friend. He went to GA Tech & he loved video games & beer. He was a computer engineer & East Atlanta homeowner. AND HE WAS MURDERED; SHOT DOWN.” The signs were posted by Kate Krumm, the older sister of Patrick Cotrona, CS 03, who was shot and killed on May 25 while walking home near the heart of his beloved, bustling East Atlanta neighborhood. The evening of June 2, some 200 people gathered in a nearby lot for a vigil; paper-bag luminaries bore handwritten notes to Patrick, his family and the wider EAV community, where violent crime has seen a recent spike. “My family was and is determined to make sure that people know that Patrick was not just another statistic victim of violent crime in this city,” Krumm told the crowd, according to a Creative Loafing report. “He is you, me or anyone of us. A normal citizen. We believe this message is not just about Patrick, but about all those other victims who have remained nameless, who were just ‘man shot and killed.’” At press time, police had yet to identify Cotrona’s killer.
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I was just made aware of this story in the GaTech alumni magazine concerning my brother, Patrick Cotrona. My family and I are so appreciative that you took the time to write (and read) about my brother’s tragic death. Georgia Tech was not just where my brother went to school and earned his degree — the university provided an outlet where Patrick could be himself and learn and grow into the wonderfully unique individual that he was. We are troubled by the fact that his killers have not yet been caught, and my family plans to host fundraisers for his justice. If you or someone you know is interested in learning about any upcoming events, please email [email protected]. Thank you all for your love and support.