Crime
Coweta County Fire battalion chief James Cauthen shot and killed in Alabama, suspect William Franklin charged
UPDTE: William Randall Franklin, 33, of Chambers County, AL has been booked into the Muscogee County Jail on his release from a Hospital he’d been flown to in Columbus, GA.
He’s being held on a murder warrant issued by Chambers County Alabama Sheriff’s Office for the shooting death of CCFR Battalion Chief James “Bart” Cauthen late last night as Cauthen helped the victim of a vehicle accident.
Coweta County, GA – The Coweta County community is mourning the tragic loss of Fire Battalion Chief James Bartholomew “Bart” Cauthen, who was fatally shot while attempting to assist a motorist in Alabama.
The incident occurred on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at approximately 5:00 p.m., when Cauthen stopped to help an individual whose vehicle had struck a deer on County Road 267 in the Stroud community, near U.S. Highway 431.
According to the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office, as Cauthen accompanied the driver to seek assistance from a nearby residence, the homeowner, identified as William Randall Franklin, allegedly opened fire on them without provocation.
Authorities reported that a shootout ensued, during which Cauthen was fatally wounded. The driver and Franklin also sustained injuries during the exchange of gunfire.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and discovered Cauthen deceased. The driver and Franklin were airlifted to hospitals in Columbus and LaGrange for medical treatment.
The Chambers County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Franklin will face charges of murder upon his release from the hospital.
In a statement released by Coweta County Fire Rescue, the department expressed their profound grief over the loss of a dedicated leader and mentor.
“Tonight, Coweta Fire Rescue is devastated to hear of the loss of Battalion Chief Bart Cauthen. We lost one of our brothers, leaders, mentors, and family members to a senseless tragedy. Our hearts and prayers go out to the Cauthen family as they go through this difficult time. We ask that you keep this family in your thoughts and prayers,” the department shared via social media.
The Chambers County Sheriff’s Office described the incident as a “horrific scene” and stated that the investigation is ongoing.
At this time, it remains unclear whether any verbal exchange occurred between Cauthen, the driver, and Franklin before the gunfire erupted.
Coweta County Fire Rescue officials announced that further details regarding the investigation, as well as arrangements for Battalion Chief Cauthen’s memorial services, will be provided in the coming days.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information regarding the incident to contact the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office at (334) 864-4333.
Crime
Greenville County Murder-Suicide: Chloe Jade Brown and Dreak Wright Dead After Elmwood Avenue Shooting
GREENVILLE, South Carolina — A fatal shooting at a home on Elmwood Avenue in Greenville County claimed the lives of a man and a woman on Tuesday evening, October 13, 2026.
The victims have been identified in information shared with the public as Chloe Jade Brown, a young mother, and Dreak Wright. The incident has been described as a suspected murder-suicide.
The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were called to Elmwood Avenue before 9 p.m. after receiving a report of a shooting.
Upon arrival, they found a man and a woman who had both sustained fatal gunshot wounds.
According to the supplied account, Wright allegedly shot Brown before taking his own life. The identities and sequence of events should be treated as reported information until confirmed by authorities.
Chloe Jade Brown has been remembered by friends and loved ones as a caring mother and a bright presence in their lives.
Following news of the deadly incident, tributes expressed grief over her death and concern for the children she leaves behind. Those mourning her have offered prayers for her children, family and everyone affected by the tragedy.
The loss of a mother has prompted particular concern for the children’s well-being and the emotional support they may need as they cope with their loss.
Some people sharing tributes to Brown alleged that she had experienced domestic violence. However, the information available does not independently confirm those claims or establish whether domestic violence played a role in the shooting.
Authorities have not provided further details in the supplied report about the circumstances leading up to the incident, the relationship between the victims or any previous reports of domestic disputes.
These details should be verified before being presented as established facts.
Deputies with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Elmwood Avenue residence before 9 p.m. Tuesday. They found both victims dead from gunshot wounds, according to the agency’s initial account.
The incident has been described as a murder-suicide in the supplied information, but additional official confirmation is needed regarding the sequence of events and the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The tragedy has left friends and loved ones mourning both individuals, while tributes to Brown have highlighted the impact her death will have on her children.