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UPDATE: The deceased victim is identified as James Bartholomew Cauthen, 54 years of age from Moreland, Georgia. Mr. Cauthen was a Battalion Fire Chief with Coweta County Fire. Our hearts and prayers go out to Coweta County for his loss. Early investigation indicates that Chief Cauthen was attempting to assist individuals that had struck a deer while traveling on County Road 267. Another individual (William Randall Franklin) that resided in the area opened fire on Chief Cauthen and the individual that struck the deer. All individuals were injured during the shootout. Chief Cauthen succumbed to his injuries prior to deputies arriving on the scene. Arrest warrants for Murder have been issued for William Randall Franklin. He will be arrested upon release from Piedmont Medical Center.

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On January 19th, at approximately 5:00 p.m., Chambers County deputies were dispatched to County Road 267 near U.S. 431 in the Stroud community in reference to a traffic accident involving a deer. Upon arrival, deputies found three individuals with gunshot wounds. One individual was deceased. The other two individuals were transported by helicopter to LaGrange and Columbus trauma centers. At this time, investigators are working to piece together the events that led to this horrific scene. Anyone with information pertaining to this case are asked to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at (334)864-4333. We cannot release any identities at this time.