Walton County District Attorney Randy McGinley reports that a Walton County jury returned a verdict finding Opel Lackey guilty of Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Possession of Firearm During a Felony, and multiple counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. These charges were based on an incident on May 7, 2023 on River Run in the Gratis area. Lackey was 77 at the time of the murder.
According to McGinley, on the day of the incidents, the victims were doing yard work at the surviving victim’s property. The defendant, who lived next door, came towards them on a lawn mower and ran over one of the victim’s shrubs. The defendant then shot both the surviving victim and Chandler Martin who did not survive his wounds.
After the State presented its case, the defendant testified, attempting to claim that he acted in self-defense. Ultimately, the jury rejected that defense.
Chandler Martin, the victim who did not survive his wounds. Photo credit: Walton County District Attorney’s office
After the verdict, the Court heard victim impact statements and arguments from the State and the defense. The Defendant never expressed any remorse for his senseless actions. The Court then sentenced the Defendant to life without the possibility of parole.
The arrest and investigation was handled by the Walton County GA Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the GBI Crime Lab.
Initital story
Update: Walton County Sheriff’s Office has not yet given the names of the victims or details surrounding the shooting incident in Apalachee Falls subdivision Sunday that resulted in the death of one man and the hospitalization of another. However, they did release the charge sheet and name of a man arrested in connection with it.
Opel Wesley Lackey, 77, of Monroe, was taken into custody and booked into the Walton County Detention Center at 7.55 p.m. Sunday. He is charged with one count of murder and two counts each of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm/knife in commission of a crime. (Editor’s Note: Please note an arrest or charge does not constitute a conviction)
Update: Maj. Scott Whisnant with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that one victim in Sunday’s double shooting in Apalachee Falls was pronounced deceased at Piedmont Walton.
WCSO says no danger to the public at this time
WALTON COUNTY, GA (May 7, 2023) – Walton County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a double shooting in the area of 1811 River Run in the Apalachee Falls subdivision Sunday afternoon.
“It is still an active investigation. There is no danger to the public at this time,” said Maj. Scott Whisnant, public information officer for WCSO. “Please avoid the area while the investigation continues.”
Whisnant did not have any other information to give out at the moment but a neighbor said both victims were taken away by ambulance.
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