Chickamauga, GA — A tragic series of events unfolded in Walker County, ending with the deaths of three individuals and leaving local communities in mourning. The incident, which commenced as a domestic dispute, resulted in a murder-suicide, claiming the lives of two family members and the estranged husband who initiated the attack.
Late Saturday night, the quiet of Wood Station Road was shattered when Russell David Payne, 54, a resident of Marietta, allegedly opened fire at the home of his father-in-law, Eugene Denny. According to the Walker County Sheriff’s Office, Payne, who had been living separately from his wife, drove to his in-laws’ residence where he began shooting into the home upon arrival, subsequently entering and continuing his assault.
The chaotic scene resulted in the deaths of Jacklyn D. Payne, 54, Payne’s wife, and her father, Eugene Denny, 79. Both were shot and killed before Payne ultimately turned the gun on himself, dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. This horrific event has reportedly stemmed from ongoing domestic tensions, though specific details about the motives remain under investigation.
Amidst the violence, there was a sole survivor, an off-duty Chickamauga Police Officer named Charles “Chuck” Dunn, 52, who was critically injured during the incident. Dunn, a friend of the Denny family, was at the home during the shooting. Despite immediate medical attention and subsequent hospitalization, Dunn succumbed to his injuries. However, in a final act of heroism, he gave life to others through organ donation, a gesture lauded by the City of Chattanooga as reflective of his selfless nature and dedication to serving others even in death.
The community remembered Dunn as not only a dedicated officer but as a beacon of kindness and humor, traits that endeared him to many in his city and beyond. “His sense of humor could brighten the darkest days, his kindness knew no limits, and his love for people and animals alike made the world a better place,” shared officials from the City of Chickamauga in a heartfelt tribute.
Funeral arrangements for Jack Denny and his daughter Jacklyn “Jackie” Payne have been set, with visitations taking place at Wilson Funeral Home and Center Grove Baptist Church, reflecting the community’s profound loss. This sequence of events has sparked discussions about domestic violence and the impacts of familial disputes that escalate into tragedy.
Local authorities, led by Sheriff Steve Wilson, are continuing their investigation into the motivations behind the shooting, with additional insights being awaited from the autopsies conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The Reverend at Center Grove Baptist Church, where the funeral service for the victims will be held, emphasized the need for community support and mentioned plans for counseling services to help those affected heal.
Meanwhile, the City of Chickamauga mourns the loss but celebrates the legacy of Officer Dunn, whose final actions encapsulate his lifelong dedication to protecting and helping others. As the community reels from this loss, the focus turns toward healing and remembering the lives of those lost in this heartrending episode.