Shooting looks like accident
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. - Detectives investigating a shooting Sunday night say the incident that killed a man and wounded his girlfriend appears to have been an accident, a news release states.
Christopher Coty Tatum, 28, died at SkyRidge Medical Center. Gaberila Wendy Gasparian, 33, is at Erlanger hospital in Chattanooga and is expected to recover, according to Bradley County sheriff's officials.
Both victims lived at 3248 Spring Place Road, where the shooting occurred.
Detectives said there are indications of alcohol consumption and reckless handling of a handgun. As a result, while pointed at both of the victims, the weapon discharged. The bullet passed through Gasparian, then Tatum and lodged in a couch, detectives said.
Alabama drivers getting new tags
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Alabama's standard license plate is switching from a coastal scene to the mountains of North Alabama.
The new tag will be available Jan. 1, state Revenue Department spokeswoman Carla Snellgrove said Tuesday.
The new tag, designed by the state Tourism Department, features mountains and a lake. It is reflective of the overall scenery in North Alabama rather than copying any exact location, spokesman Brian Jones said.
The state's new tags have a small heart at the bottom containing the words "Heart of Dixie," which is required by state law.
Tellico drowning victim identified
LENOIR CITY, Tenn. - Authorities in Loudon County have identified a young man who drowned after diving more than 40 feet into Tellico Lake.
The Knoxville News Sentinel reported 23-year-old Justin Caywood of Blount County never resurfaced after plunging into the lake from a bluff about 8:30 p.m. Saturday.
Assistant Chief Deputy Jimmy Davis of the Loudon County Sheriff's Office said witnesses told deputies Caywood had been drinking with friends before he dived.
His body was recovered about 11:20 a.m. Sunday.
Student struck by cars, killed
MONROE, Ga. - A high school student was killed Tuesday after being struck by three vehicles in front of his school in Walton County, authorities said.
Georgia State Patrol officials say only one of the three drivers who struck Jacob Little, 16, stopped.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported the accident happened about 6:40 a.m. Tuesday outside Monroe Area High School.
Troopers said they believe the teen was hit first by a silver Honda, then a Ford Ranger pickup and then by a tan Chevrolet Tahoe. Authorities say the Honda, which possibly has front-end damage, and Tahoe left the scene.