PRESS RELEASE – On February 12, 2026, deputies responded to a residence in reference to a shooting that had already occurred. Upon arrival, Deputy Seth Entrekin and Sgt. Jarrett Chandler, with the Crime Suppression Unit, began rendering aid to 19-year-old Elijah Brackett, who had a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his abdomen. Emergency Medical Services also arrived on scene, and Mr. Brackett’s care was turned over to them.

Lieutenant Jason Bowman arrived on scene and began conducting the investigation. After statements were taken from the witnesses of the incident along with everything the deputies saw and observed, the shooting was ruled as accidental.

Elijah Brackett, the 19-year-old male out of Bremen, GA, who had been transported by Airmed to Kennestone Hospital, sadly succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

“Unfortunately, we have seen multiple accidental shooting in the last two years,” states Sheriff Stacy Williams. “This Office fully supports the Second Amendment right to have a firearm, but with that right comes responsibility. Please, if you are going to own a firearm, learn about firearm safety. I hope you will join me in praying for this family during this difficult time of devastating loss.”