DAWSONVILLE — An arrest has been made in the fatal shooting last month of a former South Forsyth High football standout and father of three.
Dawson County Sheriff's investigators have charged Herman James Seppenfield, 50, of Dawsonville with murder in connection with the death of Brandon Weaver, also of Dawson County.
Weaver, 37, died from shots fired at close range during a fight with Seppenfield in southeastern Dawson on Nov. 22.
Sheriff's Capt. Tony Wooten said Seppenfield "did commit the offense of murder when he unlawfully and with malice aforethought caused the death of Brandon Weaver by shooting him in violation of murder."
The fight on Whitney Place reportedly started when Weaver and another man arrived at the home to confront the people living there.
Wooten said Weaver's son had been at a birthday party at the home earlier that evening and had called his dad to say he wanted to go home.
The child felt uncomfortable about something going on at the party, according to Wooten.
The confrontation escalated and shots were fired. Weaver was hit twice in the chest. He died on the scene.
Wooten said alcohol was involved, a factor that has hindered the investigation.
Weaver, a well-known parks and recreation coach, is survived by his wife Heather Weaver, three young sons, numerous family members and friends throughout many communities.
Funeral services for Weaver, who was raised in Forsyth County, were held Nov. 26 at Dave's Creek Baptist Church.
According to his obituary, Weaver graduated from South Forsyth High School in 1995. Forsyth County News records show he was a member of the newspaper’s 1994 All-County football team as a defensive end.
Weaver then went on to play football at Georgia Military College in Milledgeville and then Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, S.D.