A quiet Thursday morning at Bethel Baptist Church in McCaysville turned deadly when a man was shot and killed inside the sanctuary, and another was taken into custody at the scene, authorities say.
Deputies found 29-year-old Austin Teems of Blue Ridge with apparent gunshot wounds at the church and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators say they arrested 29-year-old Nicholas Rogers, also of Blue Ridge, at the church and booked him into the Fannin County Jail as the investigation continues.
Investigation and charges
According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Fannin County 911 received a call early Thursday morning about the incident at Bethel Baptist Church. Deputies arrived to find Teems with apparent gunshot wounds, and his body was later taken to the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.
The agency reports that Rogers was arrested and charged with felony murder and aggravated assault in connection with Teems’ death.
Arrest and scene
As reported by Atlanta News First, deputies took Rogers into custody at the church following the 911 call and booked him into the Fannin County Jail. The outlet notes that the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the GBI and that the investigation remains active.
Corroboration and public appeals
WSBTV also covered the case, reporting that Rogers faces felony murder and aggravated assault charges and that investigators are asking anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. The station adds that Rogers was booked into the Fannin County Jail and that the investigation is ongoing.
What happens next
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation states that once its work is complete, the case file will be turned over to the Appalachian Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review and potential prosecution.
Anyone with information can contact the GBI’s Regional Investigative Office in Cleveland at 706-348-4866, submit an anonymous tip at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), or use the agency’s online tip form.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has described the case as active and ongoing.
