A beloved 70-year-old Georgia grandfather was gunned down in front of his wife during a routine Sunday dog walk, turning a peaceful park into a scene of senseless tragedy that demands swift justice.
Story Highlights
- Terry Loden, 70, shot dead along with his dog Jesse at Simpson Park in Hall County, Georgia, after their dogs fought.
- Suspect Todd Stalcup, 52, allegedly fired on the dog first, then Loden as he de-escalated, before fleeing and being arrested minutes later.
- Loden’s final words to wife Cheryle: “I love you. I’m going,” as he died en route to the hospital.
- Stalcup held without bond on charges of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and firearm possession during a crime.
The Fatal Encounter at Simpson Park
Terry Wayne Loden, a 70-year-old grandfather from Gainesville, walked his dog Jesse with wife Cheryle at Simpson Park around 3:30 p.m. on a Sunday. The couple visited this Hall County recreation area every Sunday for routine exercise. Loden’s dog Jesse scuffled with another dog owned by Todd Alexander Stalcup, 52. Loden physically intervened, pulling Jesse away to separate the animals. The two men had no prior relationship, making the clash purely spontaneous.
Senseless Escalation to Lethal Force
Stalcup allegedly shot Jesse first, then fired at Loden after he stood up and asked, “Man, what are you doing?” Loden collapsed in front of Cheryle, who was on the phone with their granddaughter. He told her, “I love you. I’m going,” before dying during transport to the hospital. Stalcup paced briefly, told Cheryle “Yeah, you do that” as she called 911, then fled in his SUV. Deputies arrested him 15 minutes later attempting to leave the park.
Cheryle Loden described her husband as an “awesome” man who “would give his last penny and do anything for anybody.” A very private person, Terry’s loss devastates his family, who demand the suspect face the fullest extent of the law. Both man and dog perished in the unprovoked attack.
Swift Arrest and Serious Charges
The Hall County Sheriff’s Office charged Stalcup with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. He remains in custody without bond. Investigators confirm the shooting followed the dog fight, with Loden actively de-escalating when shot. No prior criminal history for Stalcup appears in reports, but the charges signal prosecutors view the act as intentional and unjustified.
Georgia’s permissive carry laws allowed Stalcup to be armed in the public park. While lawful carry protects good citizens exercising Second Amendment rights, this case underscores the danger when hot tempers turn everyday disputes deadly. Conservatives value responsible gun ownership for self-defense and family protection, not rash violence against a grandfather restraining his pet.
Family Grief and Community Shock
Cheryle Loden witnessed the horror up close, compounding trauma for the family, including their granddaughter on the call. No funeral plans honor Terry’s private nature, but grief lingers. Simpson Park locals, especially dog owners, now question safety in daylight family spaces. This random encounter shattered routine lives, sparking talks on de-escalation, pet control, and armed readiness in public.
The swift sheriff response exemplifies effective local law enforcement securing communities without federal overreach. Under President Trump’s America-first priorities, strong policing and border security reduce crime, letting families enjoy parks without fear. This tragedy reminds us to cherish law-abiding patriots like Loden while demanding accountability for those who abuse freedoms.
Sources:
Georgia Grandfather Shot Dead While Walking Dog With His Wife (CrimeOnline)
‘I love you. I’m going’: Grandfather, dog killed in front of wife while walking at park (KOMO News)
