A routine patrol stop on the U.S. Highway 441 bypass near the Glenwood Springs Road turnoff in Eatonton, Georgia, on Sunday morning, October 29, 2023, led to the discovery of 31-year-old Stephen Nicholas Beadles seated in his parked Mercedes and deceased. Beadles, a White male from Milledgeville, had sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Law enforcement described the death as not from natural causes and opened a homicide investigation involving the Eatonton Police Department and state authorities.

Investigators followed leads and worked the case in the months after the shooting, but information about persons of interest or suspects has not been released publicly. As of early 2026, no arrests have been announced and the investigation remains open. If anyone saw a vehicle or activity in that area on the morning of October 29, 2023, or has information related to Stephen Beadles, please come forward.