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
2 shot outside Brown Middle School in Forney, Two Suspects in Custody

The Kaufman County Sheriff’s Department is actively investigating a shooting that took place Friday afternoon near Brown Middle School in Forney ISD.
Authorities confirmed that two individuals were shot in a residential neighborhood near Windmill Farms Boulevard, just outside Forney city limits.
In response to the incident, two individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the shooting.
However, law enforcement has not yet released details regarding their identities or possible motives.
Forney ISD officials confirmed the presence of an active crime scene in the vicinity, prompting precautionary security measures across multiple campuses.
Brown Middle School, along with North Forney Middle School, Smith Intermediate, Dewberry Elementary, Blackburn Elementary, and Forney Learning Academy, were placed in “secure” mode as a safety precaution.
Despite the close proximity of the shooting, Forney ISD emphasized that the incident did not occur on school grounds and that all students and staff remained safe throughout the situation.
News footage from the scene showed crime scene tape around a vehicle parked in front of the school.
The district lifted the security measures at approximately 3:30 p.m. and began releasing students to their parents.
Students who walk home were expected to leave at their normal dismissal time of 4:00 p.m., though minor delays were anticipated for bus routes.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. No further details have been provided regarding the condition of the victims.