Beloved grandfather shot dead along with his dog in ‘senseless’ attack
Terry Loden, left, was gunned down while walking his dog with his wife, Cheryle. ANF
A Georgia grandfather and his family dog were shot and killed Sunday afternoon during a routine walk at a local park, an act his family describes as senseless and unprovoked.
Terry Loden, 70, and his wife, Cheryle, were walking their dogs at Simpson Park in Hall County around 3:30 p.m. when their dog, Jesse, became involved in a brief scuffle with another dog. At the time, Terry was speaking on his cellphone with his granddaughter during their weekly call.
According to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, Terry attempted to pull Jesse away when the other dog’s owner, identified as 52-year-old Todd Alexander Stalcup, allegedly drew a handgun and shot the dog. When Terry stood up and questioned the shooting, authorities say Stalcup then shot him as well.
Cheryle immediately called 911 and tried to stop the bleeding while their granddaughter remained on the phone and heard the gunshots. Cheryle told Atlanta News First the situation escalated quickly and there had been no argument beforehand.
As she attempted to help her husband, Terry told her he loved her and said he did not believe he would survive. Stalcup reportedly paced nearby before fleeing the park in his SUV.
Law enforcement officers arrested Stalcup about 15 minutes later as he attempted to leave the area. He has been charged with malice murder, felony murder, felony aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
Terry was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries. In a statement, the Loden family described the shooting as “senseless and unprovoked.”
Cheryle remembered her husband as a generous and kind man who would do anything for others.
“He was an awesome person,” she said. “He’d give his last penny and help anyone who needed it.”
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