North Fayette man killed in College Park

Fri, 12/29/2006 - 3:12pm
By: John Munford

College Park police have arrested two men who shot and killed a north Fayette man at a home he was renovating, according to the man’s family.

Thomas “Tommy” Vinson was killed around 7 p.m. Dec. 22 while he was working at the house in College Park, said his daughter, Jennifer Hand. The two suspects robbed Vinson but later made a mistake by using one of his credit cards at a grocery store, which ultimately led to their arrest, she said.

Police told the family that the two suspects robbed Vinson so they could get money to get one of the suspects’ girlfriends out of jail.

The killers were even so brazen that they bragged about the murder afterwards, showing off a copy of Vinson's obituary, Hand said.

Vinson was retired from Delta and was renovating the home to lease to transient Delta personnel, Hand said. He also restored old Chevy cars from the mid-50s era and even old gasoline pumps, she added.

Vinson was a grandfather of two and he also leaves behind his wife, Shirley and two children. The family has been overwhelmed with the number of people who expressed their sympathy, Hand said.

The two suspects, whose identities could not be immediately confirmed Friday afternoon, have not yet appeared for a bond hearing. The case will be tried in Fulton County Superior Court.

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Submitted by girlinformed on Tue, 01/02/2007 - 8:00am.

John thank for informing the community about this tragedy. There is power in prayer and power in numbers, so I hope each person who reads this will say an extra prayer for the Vinson family. Shirley has a long road ahead of her as does the rest of her family. I only wish the two ( I will not call the men or people) that did this were facing Fayette County Courts instead of Fulton. Vinson family you are all in our prayers.

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Submitted by Xaymaca on Mon, 01/01/2007 - 11:17am.

This is the saddest story of the New Year. At what point did thievery transform into thievery + murder? My heart goes out.


Submitted by rollt1de on Fri, 12/29/2006 - 8:09pm.

I just read this article and am shocked. Mrs. V., there are no words to express how I feel right now. My prayers are with you and your family. We love you. Lisa, A&K

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