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.
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (Baltimore County) — Authorities are investigating a multiple-victim stabbing that left two people critically injured in Owings Mills.
According to preliminary information, Baltimore County Police and emergency medical personnel responded to the 12300 block of Greenspring Avenue following reports of a stabbing.
Upon arrival, first responders located two victims suffering from severe stab wounds, both classified as priority-one patients.
Emergency crews requested a medical helicopter due to the seriousness of the injuries.
A landing zone was established at Ridge Road and Greenspring Avenue.
One victim was transported by medevac, while the second victim was transported by ground ambulance to a nearby trauma center.
Initial reports indicate that the caller may have stabbed both of his parents.
Police confirmed that a possible suspect has been detained at the scene.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims or the suspect.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.