Paulding County man charged with murder in deadly neighborhood ‘shooting spree,’ sheriff’s office says

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - A man is facing murder charges after he allegedly went on a deadly “shooting spree” in a Paulding County neighborhood over the weekend, the sheriff’s office said.

Around 11:50 p.m. on Saturday, 911 dispatch received multiple calls from residents in the Fox Ridge subdivision in Dallas about shots fired, according to the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies and paramedics soon responded to two homes on Fox Ridge Court “in reference to multiple people being shot.”

The sheriff’s office said deputies found shooting victims inside the homes. They also found the suspect, identified as 52-year-old Jody Thomas Wales.

Deputies said residents in one of the homes were able to subdue Wales until law enforcement arrived.

Two victims were critically injured and were taken to the hospital, where one of the victims, 73-year-old Larry Thomas Wales, died.

Deputies confirmed to Atlanta News First that Larry Wales was Jody Wales' father.

The second victim, a 47-year-old man, remains in critical condition.

Jody Wales was booked into Paulding County Jail on the following charges:

• Felony murder
• Malice murder
• Five counts of aggravated assault
• Aggravated battery
• Two counts of burglary
• Two counts of first-degree criminal damage to property
• Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony

Wales does not currently have a bond.

“Senseless violence in our community will not be tolerated,” Sheriff Ashley Henson said in a statement. “We are thankful for the men and women who help keep our county safe on a daily basis.”

Detectives are asking anyone with information about the incident to call the sheriff’s office tip line at 770-443-3047 or send a message through the Paulding Sheriff Mobile App.