A fire chief was shot dead after trying to get help for a couple who had hit a deer in Alabama.
According to officials in Chambers County, Chief James Bartholomew “Bart” Cauthen, 54, went to the home of 33-year-old William Randall Franklin for help. Franklin then allegedly opened fire unprovoked.
Why It Matters
This bizarre shooting is under investigation, and does not appear to have a clear motive.
Gun death rates in Alabama are higher than the national average . According to data compiled by Everytown for Gun Safety, while the national average for gun deaths is 13.7 gun deaths per 100,000 residents, Alabama’s is 25.6. Alabama also does not require background checks in order for someone to purchase a gun.
What To Know
According to WRBL, which spoke with local investigators, Cauthen owned or maintained a property near where the crash happened. He had limited cell service to get them help, which is why he knocked on a neighbor’s door. Little did he know that neighbor would allegedly pull out a gun…