Scott Dennis Hayes Jr., 40, was found shot in a wooded area between the Callier Forest Apartments and a car dealership on Dodd Boulevard in Rome, Georgia, on March 22, 2021. First responders determined he had been shot three times in the back, with one bullet striking the back of his head. He was taken to a nearby hospital for emergency surgery but died of his injuries.

Investigators say a witness saw Hayes walking a commonly used path that morning, heard gunshots, and later saw a neighbor, Jeffrey Alfred Shedrick, come out of the woods and enter the apartment complex before leaving with a woman. Shedrick was arrested and initially charged with aggravated assault, possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime, and a drug offense; after Hayes died the charges were upgraded to include felony murder and tampering with evidence.

No motive is reported. If anyone who knew Scott or who was in the area that morning has information, please come forward.