HALL COUNTY, Ga. — A tranquil afternoon at Simpson Park turned into a scene of tragedy when a 70-year-old man was fatally shot while walking his dog. Authorities report that the incident occurred on Sunday around 3:30 p.m., as Terry Loden and his wife, Cheryle Loden, savored their routine stroll in the park they frequented every weekend.
The encounter escalated when another dog in the park began fighting with the Loden’s pet, Jesse. According to police, Todd Stalcup, a 52-year-old resident of Gainesville, became involved and opened fire. Cheryle Loden described her husband trying to intervene when Stalcup shot their dog first, prompting her husband to question the shooter’s actions before he was shot himself.
Cheryle recalled the harrowing moments that followed, sharing her husband’s last words. As he collapsed, he looked at her and expressed his love, a moment etched in her memory forever. “I gotta call 911,” she urgently responded, while Stalcup seemingly showed no remorse, instructing her to do so.
After the shooting, Stalcup was observed pacing near the scene before he fled in his vehicle. Hall County deputies apprehended him shortly after, approximately 15 minutes later. He now faces serious charges including malice murder and aggravated assault, and he is currently being held without bond.
The Loden family is grappling with their loss, mourning the life of a man who was known for his generosity and kindness. Cheryle Loden described her husband as someone who would give his last penny to help anyone in need. Their family has decided against holding a funeral, focusing instead on coping with their grief and the hope that justice will be served.
Friends and family have been left in shock over the senseless nature of the incident, highlighting the unexpected violence that can interrupt life’s simple pleasures. The tragic event underscores the pressing issues surrounding gun violence and the ripple effects it has on communities.
As investigations continue, there are calls from the community for accountability, urging a thorough examination of the circumstances leading up to the shooting. The Loden family’s plea for justice reflects the broader concerns of a society yearning for safety in spaces that should be peaceful.
In the wake of this tragedy, the community stands united in grief, remembering a father, a grandfather, and a friend, whose life was cut short in an act of violence that leaves many questions unanswered.