Belden Ward of Athens called 9-1-1 at 11:30 a.m. on January 21, and reported that his son, James Ward (25 yo) of Athens had shot himself. Belden came home to his house at 119 Zion RD. and found James dead inside the residence from a self-inflicted gunshot. Deputy Todd Tallant and Investigator Jade Hughes responded along with EMS and Howard County Coroner John Gray to investigate the call. They determined that James death was caused by him and no crimes are suspected to have occurred.

 

Bryan McJunkins, Sheriff