Waycross police officers responded to reports of a shooting shortly after 8:22 p.m. on Friday March 13, 2026 near the intersection of Snelson Street and Old Brunel Street in the city of Waycross, Georgia. Upon arrival they found 35-year-old Jacob Garrett Cothern of Waycross suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in the roadway or adjacent area.
He was pronounced dead at the scene despite immediate efforts by first responders. The rapid police response allowed detectives to secure the location and interview witnesses while the investigation focused on the events that unfolded in this residential stretch of Waycross where neighbors often spend evenings outdoors.
Jacob Garrett Cothern and his wife Buffy were driving a friend home when the friend touched Buffy in a way that made her uncomfortable prompting her to pull the car over. Jacob told the friend to get out of the vehicle. Instead the friend pulled out a gun shot Jacob twice and then walked calmly away from the car.
Buffy witnessed the entire sequence describing how the shooter showed no remorse as he fired the second shot after Jacob fell and pleaded for him to stop. The shooting occurred outside a church parking lot off Snelson Street and Old Brunel Street turning a routine ride into a fatal confrontation.
Jacob Garrett Cothern had worked incredibly hard to rebuild his life after previously struggling with drug addiction and spending time in prison. In the past two years he devoted himself to getting clean with his wife as his greatest support in recovery and vice versa.
He was employed with the City of Waycross as a storm and sanitation maintenance operator and had been promoted three times in just a year. This summer he hoped to enroll in college and earn his commercial driver’s license showing his passion determination and plans for a brighter future in the Waycross community.
Those closest to Jacob remembered him as a funny and outgoing man who was always making people smile with his laughter and positive presence. He was a good kid who had become a dedicated husband and friend always listening and rarely making conversations revolve around himself. Family and coworkers at the city job described him as an all around great guy whose hard work and cheerful nature made every shift better and left a strong positive impression on everyone he encountered in Waycross.
Police spotted 29-year-old Brandon Dale Frick a short distance away still armed and attempting to flee the area near Snelson Street and Old Brunel Street. Officers took him into custody without further incident. Frick was transported to the Ware County Jail and charged with murder. The investigation remains active as authorities review all evidence from the scene to determine the full circumstances of the shooting that claimed Jacob Garrett Cothern’s life.
The Waycross community has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Jacob Garrett Cothern with friends and family sharing tributes highlighting his recovery journey and the promising life he was building. A GoFundMe and local support efforts have been organized to assist his wife and loved ones during this difficult time. The Waycross Police Department continues to urge anyone with information from the March 13 incident near Snelson Street and Old Brunel Street to contact detectives as the case proceeds through the court system in Ware County Georgia.
