Walker County, Georgia – A tragic shooting in northwest Georgia last weekend resulted in three deaths and a critically injured off-duty police officer after a Marietta man opened fire inside a Walker County home.
Authorities identified the shooter as 54-year-old Russell David Payne of Marietta. The victims killed in the attack were his estranged wife, 54-year-old Jacklyn D. Payne, and her father, 79-year-old Eugene “Jack” Denny, according to Walker County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident took place on Wood Station Road in Rock Spring, a community located between Chickamauga and LaFayette. Among those present in the home was 52-year-old Chickamauga police Officer Charles Dunn, who sustained critical injuries during the attack. Dunn was a longtime family friend of the victims.
The violence unfolded on Saturday evening when a distress call was made from inside the home, prompting deputies to respond around 7 p.m. Deputies arrived to find three individuals dead and Officer Dunn with life-threatening injuries.
Investigations revealed that Russell Payne fired several .223 caliber rounds into the rear of the house before entering and continuing his attack. Officer Dunn, although off-duty and in civilian clothing, engaged with the shooter during the incident.
Chickamauga Mayor Trey Deck expressed deep concern over the situation and called on the community to support Officer Dunn as he recovers. The Mayor emphasized the officer’s dedication to serving the community and requested unity in sending strength and hope to Dunn and his family.
The Walker County coroner will transport the bodies to the GBI Crime Lab for autopsies as the investigation continues. Authorities are working to determine the motive behind the attack and the events leading up to the tragic incident. Updates on Officer Dunn’s condition and the investigation are pending from the Chickamauga Police Department. The case remains under active investigation as law enforcement seeks to unravel the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.