Man shot, killed during walk at LaGrange park, suspect arrested

LaGrange, Ga. (WTVM) - A murder investigation is underway in LaGrange after a man was found shot and killed at an area park.

LaGrange Police arrested Billy Joe Tyler III and charged him with the murder of 69-year-old Kenneth Stanley Dial.

Authorities responded to a 911 call for help at 8 a.m. on Aug. 28 near the Sunny Point Recreation Area. A passerby had discovered a man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators report Dial regularly walks at the park off Mooty Bridge Road, and that witnesses reported hearing gunshots in the area at approximately 7:30 a.m.

According to authorities, the investigation determined Tyler allegedly attempted to rob the victim before shooting him and fleeing the area.

Tyler was located on Park Avenue, and he has been transported to the Troup County Jail.

Tyler was on active felony probation for a robbery that occurred in the Metro Atlanta area.

Anyone with information is asked to call the LaGrange Police Department at (706) 883-2603 or the Troup County Crime Stoppers at (706) 812-1000.

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