An 85-year-old Georgia man has been charged with shooting his 60-year-old son to death in front of dozens of witnesses during a fishing tournament on the family’s property.
Wayne Eaton was taken into custody early Friday evening, according to Covington Police.
Family members told WSB that the shooting took place inside a bait shop by two ponds where people pay to participate in fishing competitions. They said Wayne Eaton came out of his house and walked over to the bait shop, where he shot and killed Troy Eaton.
“We were advised that the suspect walked back into the residence on the property and officers made contact with him,” Covington Police Lt. Daniel Digby told WAGA. “After a short standoff, he came outside and surrendered to police.”
The shooting took place at the family’s Lakeview Drive Tournament Lakes, a popular spot in Newton County known for its weekly fishing tournaments.
“This has affected more than just us,” Troy Eaton’s grandson, Ethan Sanders told WSB. “This has affected everyone around here.”
“Everybody knows him as who he is. He’s a great person, a great man, and he absolutely did not deserve this,” Sanders said.
Covington Police have not revealed a motive for the shooting and said that the elder Eaton faces charges of malice murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
They said the murder was witnessed by multiple people and was recorded on surveillance video.
