Georgia Father of Four Bringing Home Takeout for Movie Night Shot Dead at His Doorstep in Front of Family, Police Say

COLUMBUS, GEORGIA — A 40-year-old father of four was shot and killed in front of his fiancée and young children during a terrifying home attack in Columbus, authorities said.

The victim, identified as William “Bam” Tatum, was returning home on the night of October 10 with takeout food for a planned family movie night when two masked men ambushed him at the doorstep of his home, according to the Columbus Police Department.

Police say the suspects demanded entry into the house while holding Tatum at gunpoint — and despite his efforts to protect his family, he was fatally shot moments later.

A Night of Family Joy Turns to Horror

Tatum’s fiancée, who asked not to be named, told WTVM that she heard one of the gunmen threaten, “If you don’t open the door, we will kill him.”

From behind the door, she said she could hear Tatum trying to protect her and their children, telling her not to open it and urging the men to harm him instead.

“If they would have killed him outside, and I wouldn’t have opened the door, that would have haunted me forever,” she told the station. “He told me, ‘Don’t open the door.’ I heard him say, ‘Kill me.’ He was trying to protect us.”

When she finally opened the door in desperation, the gunmen shot Tatum in front of his fiancée and two children — then fled without taking anything.

‘You Took My Best Friend Away’

The grieving fiancée described Tatum as a devoted father and partner who was looking forward to a quiet night with his family.

“You just took an innocent life for no reason — in front of his kids,” she said through tears. “You took my best friend away.”

Tatum was a self-employed worker and father of four, with his youngest two children shared with his fiancée. Family members say he worked hard to provide for them and was deeply loved in his community.

Police Seek Public’s Help

The Columbus Police Department continues to investigate the killing and is urging anyone with information about the suspects or their vehicle to come forward.

Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers or by contacting Columbus Police directly.

“This was a senseless act of violence that took the life of a devoted father and community member,” police said in a statement.

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