In the early morning hours of February 21, 2016, a dispute in Toccoa, Georgia, tragically cut short the life of 41-year-old Robert Gary Hiott, a man also known by the alias Richard Gary Bump. The incident that led to his death began when 74-year-old Gary Lamar Patrick arrived at a residence on Patrick Lane and confronted Hiott's sister, who was the homeowner.
An argument broke out between Patrick and the homeowner. Despite leaving the residence, Patrick returned and the argument resumed. At this point, Robert Hiott intervened, stepping between his sister and Patrick in an attempt to de-escalate the situation. Patrick appeared to be intoxicated during the confrontation. The situation escalated into a physical altercation where Hiott began to beat Patrick. While on his knees, Patrick drew a handgun and fired, fatally wounding Hiott.
Following the shooting, Gary Lamar Patrick was charged in connection with Hiott's death. In October 2017, he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of involuntary manslaughter in Stephens County Superior Court. During the hearing, Hiott's sister stated that she had forgiven Patrick and, citing his poor health, requested that he not be sentenced to jail time.
The court sentenced Patrick to 12 months of probation and six months of house arrest for his role in the death of Robert Gary Hiott. He was also ordered to have no further contact with the victim's family.
