Georgia Grandfather Shot Dead During Dog Walk After Pets Fought, Suspect Taunted Wife as She Called 911, Police Say

HALL COUNTY, GEORGIA — A peaceful Sunday afternoon dog walk at a neighborhood park turned deadly when a Georgia man allegedly shot and killed a 70-year-old grandfather and his dog after their pets began fighting, then taunted the victim’s wife as she frantically told herself to call 911, authorities said.

Police identified the suspect as Todd Stalcup, 52, who is accused of killing Terry Loden and Loden’s dog, Jesse, around 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Simpson Park. The two men did not know each other, according to investigators.

Dog Scuffle Escalates to Gunfire

According to a police press release, Terry Loden and his wife, Cheryle Loden, were walking their dogs at the park—a routine they followed every Sunday—when they crossed paths with Stalcup and his dog. Police said the dogs began fighting, prompting Terry to step in.

Cheryle Loden told local TV station WANF that her husband was trying to separate the animals when the situation suddenly turned violent.

“He was on top of her pulling her off,” she said, describing Terry’s attempt to control the dogs. “About that time, the man just shot my dog, and Terry stood up and said, ‘Man, what are you doing?’ And he just shot him.”

‘Yeah, You Do That,’ Suspect Allegedly Taunted Wife

Authorities said Stalcup first shot Jesse, then turned his handgun on Terry, striking him through the right side. Terry collapsed and was rushed toward the hospital, but died en route, police said.

Cheryle Loden described the horrifying moments that followed as she tried to get help.

“When he fell, I just said, ‘I gotta call 911. I gotta call 911,’” she told WANF. “And he just said, ‘Yeah, you do that.’”

She said Terry looked up at her and spoke his final words.

“He just looked up at me and said, ‘I love you.’ He said, ‘I’m going.’ I said, ‘No, you’re not,’ and I just sat there talking to 911 the whole time.”

Suspect Flees, Then Arrested Minutes Later

After the shooting, Cheryle Loden said Stalcup paced around briefly, then walked to his SUV and drove away.

Deputies with the Hall County Sheriff’s Office took Stalcup into custody about 15 minutes later as he was leaving the park area, police said. Stalcup, who lives in Gainesville, was charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

He is currently being held without bond.

A 50-Year Marriage Ends in Tragedy

Cheryle Loden told reporters she and Terry had been married for 50 years and shared a life defined by kindness and generosity.

“He was awesome,” she said. “He’d give his last penny and do anything for anybody. He was an awesome person.”

The killing has shaken the local community, particularly because it occurred in broad daylight at a public park during a routine family activity.

Investigation Ongoing

Investigators continue to review witness statements and forensic evidence as the case moves forward. Police have not indicated whether any additional charges could be filed related to the killing of the dog.

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