On the morning of November 18, 2010, the suburban peace of Dunwoody, Georgia, was shattered when 36-year-old Rusty Sneiderman was gunned down in cold blood. Rusty, a devoted father, had just dropped off his son at a local preschool when a suspect in a silver minivan approached him, firing four close-range shots before fleeing the scene. The brutal and unexpected nature of the crime left the community in shock.
The Crime Scene
Eyewitnesses reported a surreal atmosphere at the scene. Witness Chris Lang described the incident to 20/20: “It didn’t look like what I would think a murder would be.” There was no immediate panic; the suspect simply walked back to the van and drove away.
Another witness, Larry Minogue, provided a critical detail. He had seen the suspect earlier that morning and noted something peculiar: a black beard that appeared fake. This observation later became pivotal in the investigation. Minogue, upon hearing about the shooting, contacted police, helping them develop a sketch of the suspect.
Investigation Begins
Detectives quickly began piecing together the details of the crime. Surveillance footage revealed the suspect’s getaway vehicle—a 2011 Kia Sedona minivan, identified as a recent rental due to dealership stickers on the windshield.
Rusty’s wife, Andrea Sneiderman, was questioned during the investigation. She disclosed that her boss had recently made an unwelcome advance toward her during a business trip but claimed to have no knowledge of who would want to harm her husband. Andrea’s attorney, J. Tom Morgan, described her as “totally baffled” and “very distraught.”
Warning Signs
In the weeks leading up to the murder, Rusty had made two alarming 911 calls. A month prior, he reported a suspected break-in attempt at his home. A week before his death, Rusty claimed to have spotted someone lurking outside the house, possibly armed. Both incidents heightened concerns but did not lead to any arrests.
Community and Media Reaction
The senseless nature of the crime deeply impacted the Dunwoody community. As details emerged, speculation grew about the motives behind the murder and the identity of the perpetrator. The case gained national attention, culminating in a 20/20 episode titled Fatal Disguise.
Legacy
Rusty Sneiderman’s murder remains a stark reminder of how quickly lives can be upended by violence. The investigation into his death unraveled a complex and tragic story, as law enforcement worked tirelessly to uncover the truth. His family, friends, and community continue to seek justice and remember him as a loving father whose life was cut far too short.
