In the quiet of a March morning in 2017, a tragedy unfolded in the affluent Lake Wellbrook subdivision in Oconee County, near Athens, Georgia, that would cut short the life of a prominent local businessman. Michael Raymond Blanton, a 62-year-old white male known for founding the successful Dalton Carpet Outlet, was a respected and philanthropic figure in his community. His life, however, came to a violent end on March 25, 2017, two days after a confrontation with his own son.
On the morning of March 23, Michael Blanton was in the garage of his home when he was shot multiple times. The sound of gunshots alerted his wife, Kelley, who was inside the house. She discovered her husband wounded and immediately sought help. Emergency services rushed Michael to the hospital, but despite the efforts of medical staff, he succumbed to his injuries three days later. The incident sent shockwaves through the Athens community, where Blanton was known for his business acumen and his generous support of various local organizations.
The sole suspect in the shooting was the victim's son, 33-year-old David Michael Blanton. Authorities believed the motive for the tragic event was rooted in David's drug use and mental health struggles. His father had been providing him with financial support but had recently made the decision to cease this assistance, a move that is thought to have triggered the violent encounter. Following the shooting, David fled the scene but was apprehended a short time later when his vehicle was stopped by a Georgia State Patrol trooper.
David Blanton was subsequently charged with felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. In September 2019, he entered into a plea agreement, pleading guilty but mentally ill to the charges against him. A mental evaluation conducted by the court had determined that despite his mental health issues, he was capable of understanding the difference between right and wrong. The plea deal was considered a fair resolution by the Western Circuit District Attorney's office. David Blanton was sentenced to 25 years in prison without the possibility of parole, to be followed by a term of life plus five years on probation, bringing a somber conclusion to a case that deeply affected the Athens community.
