Alabama Man Charged with Murder After Shooting Georgia Fire Chief

In a tragic case that unfolded in rural Alabama, authorities are preparing to file murder charges against William Randall Franklin in connection with the shooting death of James Bartholomew Cauthen, a Georgia fire chief. The incident took place on a Sunday night when Cauthen noticed a driver and his wife stranded on the road after the driver struck a deer and was unable to call for assistance due to poor cell service.

Cauthen, who worked for Coweta County Fire in Georgia, had been maintaining a nearby property when he decided to help. Alongside the stranded driver, he approached a nearby home to seek assistance, when Franklin allegedly emerged and opened fire on both men, according to the Chambers County Sheriff's Office. The resulting gunfight left all three parties wounded, and Cauthen tragically succumbed to his injuries shortly after authorities arrived on the scene.

Both Franklin and the driver sustained injuries as well, with reports indicating that the driver was armed and returned fire, injuring Franklin in the process. The sheriff's office stated that arrest warrants for murder were issued for Franklin, who is currently hospitalized but will face charges upon his release. Cauthen's fire department expressed their grief over his loss, describing him as a dedicated and compassionate individual who served with distinction for over 24 years.