Lafayette, GA – A tragic series of events unfolded over the weekend in Walker County, resulting in a murder-suicide that claimed the lives of a father and daughter, and left an off-duty police officer critically injured. The community is now coming together to mourn and commemorate the lives lost.
Scheduled funeral services for Jack Denny and his daughter Jacklyn “Jackie” Payne will take place this week, with visitations planned for Friday afternoon at Wilson Funeral Home and Saturday at Center Grove Baptist Church in Rock Spring, followed by a funeral service.
Authorities identified the shooter as Russell David Payne, 54, of Marietta, GA, who took his own life after fatally shooting his wife, Jacklyn, and her father, Eugene Denny, 79. The violence occurred at Eugene Denny’s residence, where Jacklyn had been living.
The incident also severely wounded Charles “Chuck” Dunn, a 52-year-old officer with the Chickamauga Police Department, who was off-duty at the time. Officer Dunn remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Initial investigation indicated that Russell Payne arrived at the residence on Saturday evening and began firing multiple rounds into the back of the house before entering and continuing his assault.
A fourth individual, a family friend present at the scene, engaged the shooter during the incident. This person, whose actions may have prevented further loss of life, is also in critical condition in the hospital.
The Walker County Sheriff’s Office responded to the emergency calls around 7:00 pm on Wood Station Road, revealing a volatile domestic situation that turned deadly.
The bodies of the deceased have been transported to the GBI crime lab for autopsies, as the investigation continues into the specific details and motive behind this devastating act.
The community has been shaken by the events, prompting discussions on domestic violence and the impact of mental health crises. Local leaders and residents are expected to gather at the upcoming funeral services, seeking solace together during this difficult time.
As the investigation progresses, authorities and community support organizations are emphasizing the importance of access to resources for individuals experiencing domestic unrest or mental health issues, in hopes of preventing similar tragedies in the future.