A tragic incident took place in Covington, Georgia, where a local community member, Troy Eaton, was reportedly shot and killed by his own father, 85-year-old Wayne Eaton. The fatal shooting occurred on the evening of July 12, 2024, at the Lakeview Drive Tournament Lakes, a fishing hub owned by the Eaton family.
Responding to reports of gunfire, Covington Police arrived on the scene shortly before 7 p.m. They discovered the body of 60-year-old Troy Eaton inside a bait and tackle shop on the property. Wayne Eaton was apprehended at the scene without any resistance. He has been charged with malice murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and is currently in custody at Newton County Jail.
Tiffany Eaton Cartledge, daughter of Troy, took to social media to share her grief. She portrayed her father as a vital community figure and a doting grandfather. “He was very fair and loved with all his heart,” she posted on Facebook. “He was constantly active, yet he always made time for his grandchildren. He cherished his family, his lakes, and his community.”
Troy Eaton managed the Lakeview Drive Tournament Lakes in memory of his mother. The spot has long been a favorite gathering place for local fishing enthusiasts. The Lakeview Drive property has deep ties to the Eaton family. Initially owned by Wayne Eaton until 2020, it was later transferred to Troy Eaton, who continued to host weekly fishing tournaments.
Troy’s grandson, Ethan Sanders, addressed the media, stating, “This has affected more than just us. This has affected everyone around here. Everyone knows him for who he is. He’s an exceptional and wonderful person, and he certainly did not deserve this.”
The Covington Police Department still hasn’t identified a clear motive for the fatal shooting. They are reviewing surveillance footage of the incident and interviewing numerous witnesses as the investigation continues. “There’s a lot of confusion right now. Nobody knows what is going to happen,” Ethan Sanders added.
Over the weekend, police confirmed the availability of surveillance footage capturing the incident and reiterated that there were many witnesses present at the time of the shooting. The Covington Police Department has encouraged anyone with further information to step forward to assist in the investigation.
Wayne Eaton was quickly incarcerated after the incident. The police department remains cautious about releasing details, stating that the investigation is ongoing and they are not prepared to share any specific information at this time.