A Sunday afternoon visit to a public park in Hall County, Georgia, ended in a fatal confrontation that has now led to multiple serious criminal charges. Authorities say a dispute between two strangers walking their dogs escalated rapidly, culminating in the shooting death of a 70-year-old man and his dog. The suspect, identified as Todd Alexander Stalcup, 52, is facing charges including malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. The incident occurred at Simpson Park, a lakeside recreational area near Lake Lanier that is frequented by local residents for walking, fishing, and leisure activities.
According to investigators, what began as an encounter between two dogs quickly turned into a deadly altercation between their owners. The case has drawn significant attention in Hall County due to the circumstances surrounding the shooting, the age of the victim, and the public nature of the setting. Law enforcement officials have emphasized that the two men did not know each other prior to the incident and that the violence unfolded within a matter of moments after the dogs began fighting.
Incident at Simpson Park Leads to Fatal Shooting
Deputies with the Hall County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Simpson Park, located off Georgia 53 and Dawsonville Highway, at approximately 3:30 p.m. Sunday following reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, first responders found a 70-year-old man suffering from gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Authorities subsequently identified him as Terry Loden of Gainesville.
Investigators determined that Loden and Todd Alexander Stalcup were both at the park walking their dogs when the animals became involved in a physical fight. Officials have not released specific details about the breeds or sizes of the dogs, but they confirmed that the confrontation between the animals preceded the violence between the men. According to statements from the sheriff’s office, the argument escalated when Stalcup allegedly drew a handgun.
Law enforcement officials allege that during the confrontation, Stalcup first shot Loden’s dog. Moments later, he is accused of shooting Loden as well. The sequence of events, as outlined by investigators, suggests that the use of deadly force occurred during the height of the dispute rather than after any prolonged exchange.
Hall County Fire Rescue assisted at the scene, providing medical aid and helping secure the area while sheriff’s office investigators worked into the evening to reconstruct the events leading up to the shooting. Simpson Park remained an active investigation site for several hours as authorities collected evidence, interviewed witnesses, and documented the scene.
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The fact that the incident took place in a public park during daylight hours has raised concerns among local residents. Simpson Park sits directly on the shores of Lake Lanier and is known as a popular destination for families, seniors, and dog owners. Authorities have not indicated whether any other park visitors were directly involved or injured during the incident.
Arrest, Charges, and Court Appearance
Following the shooting, authorities said Stalcup initially remained at the park. However, as deputies were responding to the scene, he reportedly left the area in an SUV. Law enforcement officers located and stopped the vehicle approximately 15 minutes later on Simpson Park Road, where Stalcup was detained without incident.
The Hall County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday morning that Stalcup had been formally charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. These charges reflect the seriousness of the allegations and carry the potential for severe penalties if he is convicted.
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Stalcup appeared via video from jail before a Henry County magistrate judge on Monday. During the brief court proceeding, he was dressed in gray striped prison clothing and requested that the court appoint an attorney to represent him. The judge granted the request and ordered that Stalcup be held without bond until his first appearance in Hall County Superior Court.
Officials confirmed that Stalcup is currently being held at the Hall County Jail. No bond has been set, and prosecutors have not yet indicated whether they intend to seek additional charges or enhancements as the case progresses. The timeline for a preliminary hearing and potential indictment will depend on the outcome of the ongoing investigation and actions by the district attorney’s office.
Authorities have stated that both men were strangers to one another prior to Sunday’s encounter. This detail has been emphasized by investigators as they continue to piece together what prompted the escalation from a dog fight to a fatal shooting. The sheriff’s office has not released information suggesting any prior disputes or connections between the suspect and the victim.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
As investigators continue their work, the Hall County Sheriff’s Office has indicated that they are reviewing all available evidence, including witness statements and any potential video footage from the area. Parks such as Simpson Park may have limited surveillance coverage, but authorities are seeking to establish a clear and comprehensive timeline of events.
The death of Terry Loden has resonated deeply within the local community, particularly among those who regularly visit Simpson Park and other public recreational spaces. While officials have not commented on the broader implications of the case, the incident has renewed attention on safety concerns in public parks, particularly when disputes arise between pet owners.
Law enforcement officials have not disclosed whether Stalcup legally owned the firearm involved in the shooting or whether additional firearms were recovered during his arrest. These details are expected to emerge as the case moves through the judicial process. Investigators have also not commented on whether either dog was restrained or leashed at the time of the incident, information that could become relevant during court proceedings.
The sheriff’s office has urged anyone who witnessed the confrontation or has additional information to come forward. Statements from bystanders could play a critical role in corroborating the sequence of events and clarifying how quickly the situation escalated.
As the legal process unfolds, the case is expected to proceed through Hall County Superior Court, where prosecutors will present evidence to a grand jury. If indicted, Stalcup will face a lengthy legal battle with potentially life-altering consequences. For now, authorities say their focus remains on completing a thorough investigation and ensuring that all facts surrounding the fatal encounter are fully examined.