ATHENS, Ga. — The Madison County Sheriff's Office said it's a "sad day for all law enforcement officers" after one of their own was charged with murder.
Winford “Trey” Terrell Adams, III, an off-duty Madison County Sheriff's Deputy, is facing a murder charge after authorities said he shot 26-year-old Benjamin Lloyd Cloer multiple times following a domestic dispute.
It happened Sunday around 6:45 p.m. off Old Jefferson Road in Athens.
According to the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, the 32-year-old deputy pulled the trigger multiple times -- killing Cloer.
Major Jeffrey Vaughn, Chief Deputy with the Madison County Sheriff's Office said late Monday morning that Adams has been employed for more than 12 months with the Madison County department.
"We have never had to discipline him as a Deputy Sheriff," Vaughn said in a statement to 11Alive on Monday. "He's been a model employee."
Authorities said the victim was taken to a local hospital where he later died.
Adams was met by Madison County Sheriff J. Michael Moore at the scene and advised at the time that he was immediately suspended. He was arrested and taken into custody by Athens-Clarke County Police.
Following his interview, Adams was advised that his employment had been terminated.
Police noted he was off-duty and in plainclothes at the time of the incident. The victim’s name is being withheld until they contact the next of kin.
"Trey was assigned to the patrol division as a Deputy Sheriff and had never had a single complaint for any type of use of force. To be honest, we are all blown away by this reaction to a 'crime of passion,'" Vaughn said. "At any rate, we do not justify or sympathize Trey's actions for this horrific offense. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim's family."
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