A Georgia county fire chief was shot and killed while attempting to assist individuals involved in a deer-related traffic accident in Lafayette, Alabama, on January 21, 2025. James Bartholomew Cauthen, 54, a battalion fire chief with Coweta County Fire, was found with gunshot wounds along with two other victims at the scene.
- Fire chief James Cauthen shot while assisting.
- Incident occurred in Lafayette, Alabama.
- William Randall Franklin charged with murder.
- Coweta County Fire mourns Cauthen's loss.
- Community offers support during tragedy.
- Funeral arrangements for Cauthen pending.
The tragic incident unfolded when Cauthen arrived to assist after two people hit a deer on County Road 267 around 5 p.m. Upon arrival of deputies from the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office, all three individuals were discovered suffering from gunshot wounds. Chief Deputy Mike Parrish described the scene as “bizarre,” emphasizing the confusion surrounding such violence stemming from an animal collision.
Cauthen succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter. The other two victims were airlifted to trauma centers in LaGrange and Columbus for treatment. The sheriff’s office expressed condolences to Coweta County Fire Rescue and highlighted Cauthen’s dedication over his more than 24 years of service.
William Randall Franklin has been identified as the shooter; he sustained injuries during what authorities describe as a shootout at the scene. Arrest warrants for murder have been issued against him. Following his release from the hospital on Monday, Franklin was arrested by Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office and is awaiting extradition back to Chambers County.
As tributes pour in for Cauthen from colleagues and community members alike, Coweta County Fire Rescue released statements mourning their loss and expressing gratitude for community support during this difficult time.
This unfortunate event highlights both the risks emergency responders face while assisting others and the unpredictable nature of interactions following accidents involving wildlife.
