HALL COUNTY, Ga. — The suspect charged with murder in the death of a man walking at a Gainesville park with his dog made his fist appearance in court Monday.
Hall County investigators said the victim and another man’s dog started fighting around 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Simpson Park on Lake Lanier.
The suspect, Todd Alexander Stalcup, shot the man and his dog with a handgun, according to the sheriff’s office.
The victim, Terry Wayne Loden, 70, of Gainesville, died at Northeast Georgia Medical Center. His dog also died.
Stalcup, 52, has been charged with multiple crimes, including malice murder and felony murder.
People who visit the usually peaceful park told Channel 2’s Tom Regan that the violence was frightening.
“I don’t understand pulling out a gun and shooting the dog and the individual over it,” neighbor David Frommer said. “It doesn’t make any sense at all.”
The suspect remained at the scene at first but then tried to leave in his SUV. Deputies took him into custody as he was leaving the park.
Stalcup is being held without bond and will make his next court appearance in January.
The sheriff’s office said the case remains under investigation.
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