Athens, GA – January 12, 2026 – A 26-year-old man, Anargyros “Cole” Mantas, was fatally shot in the parking lot of Redeemer Presbyterian Church on Pulaski Street on the morning of December 18th. The incident, which occurred after Mantas approached a car stopped at a red light, led to the arrest of 22-year-old Jamarioun Makel Clark two days later.
Details of the Fatal Incident
According to surveillance footage, Mantas was in the church parking lot when he walked into the intersection of West Broad Street to speak with occupants of a car that had stopped for a red light. Flashes of gunshots were then seen from inside the vehicle, followed by Mantas falling mortally wounded to the ground. He was transported to a hospital but succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds.
Arrest and Charges
The alleged killer, Jamarioun Makel Clark, was apprehended two days later in Newton County. Clark faces charges of murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in the commission of certain felonies. Authorities have not yet disclosed any potential motives for the shooting.
Victim’s Background and Community Impact
Anargyros “Cole” Mantas, an Athens resident originally from Massachusetts, was described in his obituary as a deeply spiritual young man. He was a member of Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church in Marietta and later North River Baptist Church in Roswell, where he was active in their youth group. During his college years, he found solace at the New England Peace Pagoda gardens in Massachusetts.
Mantas attended Cambridge High School and received an associate’s degree from Bergen College in New Jersey, continuing his studies at UMass – Amherst in Massachusetts. He was known for his passion for human rights issues, PTSD and alternative medicine, mental health issues, and endangered species. Mantas was also recognized for his kindness and willingness to help those in need, with goals related to law and justice, including advocating for children in the court system.
Memorials and Donations
Family members have suggested that memorial donations be made in Mantas’ name to victims’ service organizations in Massachusetts and Georgia, including Project Safe in Athens.
The incident has sparked concern within the local community, highlighting ongoing discussions about public safety and gun violence in the area.
Source: https://www.classiccitynews.com/post/spiritual-young-man-s-life-ended-in-street-outside-athens-church
