Atterberry Dies of Gunshot Wounds

JOHN ATTERBERRY, 40, a longtime recording industry manager and promoter, who has been involved with acts including the Spice Girls and Jessica Simpson, died from gunshot wounds in the face during last Friday’s random shooting in the center of Hollywood. Atterberry was sitting in his silver Mercedes by the intersection of Sunset Blvd. and Vine St. when the gunman shot him. He was taken to Cedars-Sinai hospital, where he remained in critical condition until Monday afternoon, when he was pronounced dead. Atterberry most recently worked at an event promotions company called Gridlock Group, after getting his start working in the promotions department at the fashion lines Cross Colours and Karl Kani, then moving on to Suge Knight's Death Row, former home to Snoop Dogg, Tupac and Dr. Dre. He went on to start Mergela Records and Consulting, working with producer Rodney Jerkins and comedian Chris Tucker, as well as founding the music publishing company Infusion Music Group, where he worked with the Spice Girls and Simpson. (12/13a)