A 16-year-old boy is dead after a Troup County shooting Tuesday night, and investigators arrested a suspect just hours later. Paul Smith of LaGrange died after being shot at a Troup County home, according to the Troup County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies were dispatched at 7:03 p.m. Tuesday to the 200 block of Bass Cross Road after a 911 caller reported someone had been shot inside a vehicle.
TL;DR: Paul Smith, 16, of LaGrange was found unresponsive with gunshot wounds inside a vehicle on Bass Cross Road on Tuesday evening and later died at WellStar West Georgia Medical Center. Investigators determined the shooting actually occurred at a home on Sims Road, where they arrested 21-year-old Hunter Smith just before 10 p.m. without incident. He was taken to the Troup County Jail. Officials have not released a motive or explained the relationship between the teen and the suspect, and the investigation remains active.
Featured image: A Troup County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle (image via FOX 5 Atlanta).
The 911 Call and Discovery
Deputies responded to the 200 block of Bass Cross Road at 7:03 p.m. Tuesday after a 911 caller reported that someone had been shot inside a vehicle. First responders found Paul Smith unresponsive with gunshot wounds, and life-saving measures were started immediately, according to the sheriff’s office.
Smith was transported to WellStar West Georgia Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.
Two Scenes: Bass Cross Road and Sims Road
As investigators worked the case, they determined that the shooting had actually taken place at a home on Sims Road — not where the wounded teen was found. According to officials, another person inside the car drove Smith away from the scene and called 911, which explains why deputies first found the victim inside a vehicle on Bass Cross Road.
The discovery of a second scene is a common complication in shooting investigations, and deputies say they are still piecing together exactly what happened at the Sims Road home before the teen was driven away.
The Arrest
Investigators arrested 21-year-old Hunter Smith at the Sims Road home just before 10 p.m. — roughly three hours after the initial 911 call. The arrest was made without incident, and Hunter Smith was taken to the Troup County Jail.
Authorities have not released a motive for the shooting and have not explained the relationship between Paul Smith and Hunter Smith. The sheriff’s office has not yet detailed what charges the 21-year-old faces in connection with the teen’s death.
Investigation Remains Active
Deputies emphasized that the investigation remains active, and more information may be released as detectives continue their work. Anyone with information about the shooting is encouraged to contact the Troup County Sheriff’s Office.
Sources: FOX 5 Atlanta; Troup County Sheriff’s Office. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the victim in the Troup County shooting?
Paul Smith, a 16-year-old boy from LaGrange, Georgia. He died Tuesday night after being shot, despite life-saving efforts by first responders.
Where did the shooting happen?
Investigators determined the shooting took place at a home on Sims Road in Troup County. The victim was found inside a vehicle on the 200 block of Bass Cross Road, where another person had driven him after the shooting.
How was 911 alerted?
Another person who was inside the car with the victim drove Paul Smith away from the Sims Road home and called 911, reporting that someone had been shot inside a vehicle. Deputies were dispatched at 7:03 p.m. Tuesday.
Where did Paul Smith die?
He was transported to WellStar West Georgia Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.
Who was arrested?
Investigators arrested 21-year-old Hunter Smith at the Sims Road home just before 10 p.m. Tuesday without incident. He was taken to the Troup County Jail.
What is the motive for the shooting?
Sheriff’s officials have not released a motive for the shooting. The investigation remains active.
Did the victim and the suspect know each other?
Officials have not explained the relationship, if any, between Paul Smith and Hunter Smith.
What charges does Hunter Smith face?
Authorities have not yet publicly detailed the specific charges. He is being held at the Troup County Jail while the investigation continues.
Is the investigation still open?
Yes. Deputies noted that the investigation remains active, and further details may be released as detectives continue their work.
