Macon, Ga. — A Milledgeville man faces charges related to the accidental shooting death of a 30-year-old resident at a downtown apartment complex earlier this year. On Tuesday, Ethan Nathaniel Cox was indicted on charges of involuntary manslaughter and reckless conduct following the incident that took place on January 25, 2025.
John Tennant was shot while at the Broadway Lofts on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. According to the coroner, Tennant was struck in the back and subsequently transferred to a hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Eyewitness accounts and police reports suggest that the shooting occurred during an incident involving Cox dancing with a loaded gun.
Cox, who had previously resided in the same complex as Tennant, allegedly told deputies that the firearm went off after Tennant handed it to him. Authorities launched an investigation shortly thereafter, categorizing the circumstances of the shooting as accidental. However, new details revealed in court documents provide insight into the events leading up to the tragedy.
The indictment outlines that while engaged in dancing, Cox acted recklessly by handling a loaded weapon, ultimately endangering Tennant’s life. It states that Cox “unlawfully endangered the bodily safety” of Tennant by disregarding the significant risk posed by his actions with the firearm.
Local law enforcement had initially classified the shooting as accidental. However, the newly obtained indictment suggests a deeper level of negligence. Under Georgia law, the involuntary manslaughter charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
At this point, Cox has not yet been arrested, and authorities noted that a mugshot is unavailable. As the case progresses, community members have expressed concerns about the implications of gun safety and responsibility, particularly in social situations where alcohol and firearms are present.
As the situation unfolds, it highlights the ongoing dialogue around firearm safety, urging individuals to prioritize caution and responsibility in all situations. The court proceedings are anticipated to draw public interest due to the circumstances surrounding Tennant’s death and the actions that led to the indictment.