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James A. Zotter

Case from Athens, TN dated Sep 22, 2016

Victim Details

James A. Zotter

Male

White / Caucasian

Athens

TN

2016-09-22

44

James

A. Zotter

07/17/2026

Case Description

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James A. Zotter, a 44-year-old male of unspecified ethnicity, tragically lost his life on September 22, 2016, in Athens, Tennessee. Zotter was a supervisor at the Thomas & Betts steel fabrication factory. The incident occurred when Ricky Swafford, a 45-year-old longtime employee at the plant, became upset during a meeting with Zotter and another supervisor, Sandra H. Cooley, 68. Swafford left the meeting, returned with a semi-automatic handgun, and fatally shot both Zotter and Cooley before taki ...
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Links to Additional Sources (4)

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  • TBI releases names of Athens, TN workplace shooting victims
  • WATE 6 On Your Side: 2 supervisors shot, killed by longtime employee of Athens factory
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    Forum Posts (2)

    Has anyone else been following the details of the Thomas & Betts factory incident? I recently read a... ...Read More
    12/16/2023
    I was thinking about something related to this devastating incident at the Thomas & Betts factory. I... ...Read More
    09/06/2023
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