Jerry Harden, 50, was shot and killed on January 21, 2021, on Etterlee Road in Blythe, Georgia. Deputies were called about 7 p.m. and found him lying in a dirt driveway with a gunshot wound to the torso; he was pronounced dead at the scene at 7:54 p.m. Family remembered him as funny, social, and happiest around hunting, fishing, and anything fast — a life cut short in a sudden burst of violence.

Authorities identified a suspect and arrested Alec J. Hadden, 18, of Augusta, the same night; he was charged with murder and with possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. Early reports noted no public explanation of the relationship between Harden and Hadden. At a later bond hearing the defense said the shooting was self-defense, alleging Harden became enraged, knocked Hadden down, threatened to kill him, and kept coming after a gun was drawn. Prosecutors said witness statements didn’t support that account and said Harden’s girlfriend told investigators she had been walking Hadden away when he stopped and opened fire. A judge denied bond again in April 2021 while noting toxicology results could be considered later.

Does anyone have information about Harden’s last evening on Etterlee Road or about the relationship between Harden and Hadden?