In the late summer of 2025, a domestic disturbance in Thomasville, Georgia, ended in the tragic death of 46-year-old Franklin Hiram Scudder. The incident, which occurred on August 6, 2025, led to the arrest of his own son, Tristin Hiram Scudder, who was 24 at the time. The younger Scudder himself made the call to 911 at approximately 10:30 a.m., reporting that he had shot his father.
Upon their arrival at the Duren Drive residence, deputies from the Thomas County Sheriff's Office took Tristin into custody. According to the initial report, Tristin claimed his father, Franklin, had come to the home and started a disturbance. He further alleged that during the ensuing altercation, his father attempted to take his firearm, at which point Tristin shot him in the back. Following the shooting, Franklin Scudder was unresponsive.
The Thomas County Sheriff's Office has enlisted the help of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting. Tristin Hiram Scudder faces serious charges, including murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. He was formally arraigned the morning after the incident, where a judge denied his bond, ensuring he would remain in the custody of the Thomas County Jail as the investigation proceeds. Franklin's body was sent for an autopsy to aid in the ongoing investigation.
Known to his friends and family as 'Tripper,' Franklin Hiram Scudder was remembered as a man with an infectious smile and a genuine curiosity about the lives of his loved ones. Born on February 6, 1979, in Peoria, Illinois, he was a proud Navy veteran. His life was marked by a supportive and welcoming nature, and he had a talent for making everyone feel seen. He is survived by his two children, Tristin and Charlize Scudder, his fiancée, and a large extended family.
