Father charged with son’s murder after shooting at Newton County bait house

The man who shot his son in front of dozens of people attending a fishing tournament is Wayne Eaton, according to the Covington Police Department.

Wayne Eaton is 85 years old. The son he’s accused of shooting was Troy Eaton.

He was 60 years old, according to his family.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks ]

Troy’s daughter and grandson told Channel 2′s Courtney Francisco the shooting happened on their family property before 7:00 pm Friday.

The piece of land is known as Lakeview Drive Tournament Lakes, and it includes two large ponds where people pay to participate in fishing competitions.

Family said dozens of fishermen were there when the eldest Eaton, Wayne, came out of his home, walked to the bait shop beside the water, and shot his son inside.

“This has affected more than just us. This has affected everyone around here,” Troy’s grandson, Ethan Sanders said.

The property is a popular spot in Covington, and Sanders said his grandfather was well-known for bringing the community together.

“Everybody knows him as who he is. He’s a great person, a great man, and he absolutely did not deserve this,” Sanders said.

On Saturday, Covington Police Department investigators were not ready to confirm why the father shot his son.

TRENDING STORIES:

• 2 Delta planes experience mechanical issues with flights connected to Atlanta
• Deputies stopped a vehicle with no insurance. Now, a GA man will spend years behind bars
• ‘Dastardly duo’ allegedly steals victim’s purse, goes on $5K shopping spree at metro Lululemon

They said many people saw it, and surveillance cameras recorded it.

He is in Newton County Jail facing charges of malice murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

“There’s a lot of confusion right now. Nobody really knows what is going to happen,” Sanders said.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter ]

IN OTHER NEWS: