A tragic incident struck the Covington, Georgia community when Troy Eaton, a well-respected member of the community, was reportedly killed by his 85-year-old father, Wayne Eaton. The fatal shooting took place on July 12, 2024 during a fishing tournament at the Lakeview Drive Tournament Lakes, the family’s property and a favorite venue for local fishing enthusiasts.
Shortly before 7 p.m., Covington Police were alerted to the incident and arrived at the scene to find 60-year-old Troy Eaton dead inside a bait shop on the property. Wayne Eaton, who was still present at the location, was arrested without any issue. He faces charges of malice murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and is currently detained at Newton County Jail.
Troy’s daughter, Tiffany Eaton Cartledge, took to social media to share her grief. She paid tribute to her father as a cherished community member 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 operated the Lakeview Drive Tournament Lakes in memory of his mother, making it a beloved gathering place for local anglers. The Lakeview Drive property has deep ties to the Eaton family, having been owned by Wayne Eaton until 2020, when ownership was transferred to Troy Eaton who continued hosting weekly fishing tournaments.
Ethan Sanders, Troy’s grandson, spoke to the press about the impact of the incident. “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 is yet to establish a clear motive behind the shooting. They are reviewing surveillance footage that recorded the incident and interrogating various eyewitnesses as part of the ongoing investigation. “There’s a lot of confusion right now. Nobody knows what is going to happen,” Ethan Sanders added.
Over the subsequent weekend, the police confirmed that there is surveillance footage of the incident and emphasized that several witnesses were 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.
Following the incident, Wayne Eaton was taken to jail. The police department has been cautious about releasing information, stating that the investigation is still underway and they are not prepared to disclose any specific details at this time.