Father-Son Altercation in Fannin County Ends in Fatal Shooting

MORGANTON, Ga. (April 2, 2026) — A late-night altercation between a father and son in Fannin County has resulted in the death of a 54-year-old man, according to the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office.

Chief Deputy Maj. Keith Bosen said deputies were dispatched at approximately 10 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, to a residence located at 15828 Old Highway 76 in Morganton following reports of a shooting.

Authorities say the incident occurred during a dispute between 79-year-old Charles G. Dillingham and his son, Charles Gregory “Greg” Dillingham. During the altercation, The father allegedly produced a .22 caliber magnum handgun and shot his son once in the stomach.

Emergency responders transported Greg Dillingham by helicopter to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, where he later died from his injuries. The sheriff’s office was notified of his death at approximately 6 a.m. on Thursday, April 2.

Investigators have indicated there were reports of prior incidents between the father and son, though details have not been released.

“It’s still very early in the investigation. No charges have been filed,” Bosen said Thursday morning.

Family members have since shared their grief publicly. In a statement, the victim’s sister, Cindy Stienkamp, described the past week as “incredibly difficult” and said she was struggling to process the loss.

“My brother Greg Dillingham was shot in the stomach on April 1st and passed away April 2nd from his injuries,” she wrote. “It’s hard to imagine the person who did it hasn’t been charged.”

Funeral services for Greg Dillingham are scheduled for April 18, with a celebration of life planned for April 19 at 7 p.m.

The investigation remains ongoing.