Shooting claims a life in Towns County
By JOAN CROTHERS

David Nations

Towns County Sheriff's Office released information Monday on the shooting death of Jason Cothren, 28, by David Nations, 57, that took place on Wednesday, January 3, 2007.

According to the report, Jason Cothren, his father Claude, Claude's girlfriend, Kathy Tanner, and Claude's brother, Cliff Cothren all lived in a house on Hwy. 66 in Young Harris. Apparently David Nations lived there at times, with Gainesville also listed as his residence. The report states that all four men had been drinking the day of the shooting and an argument ensued. Jason Cothren left, but then returned to the house and arguing continued. Nations, with a shotgun in hand, told Jason to leave. Claude Cothren, grabbed the gun as it went off, shooting off two of his fingers and hitting his son in the head. 911 received the call about the shooting at 9:59 p.m.

Nations fled the scene, but deputies apprehended him in Clay County within a short time. He was held in Clay County jail overnight on traffic charges and extradited the next day to Towns County jail where he was charged with one count of Murder, two counts of Aggravated Assault, and two counts of Aggravated Battery.