Dalton police identify victim in Saturday’s fatal Motel 6 shooting

Dalton, Georgia, police have identified the victim and shooter in a Saturday morning fatal shooting.

Gregory Eugene Walker, 36, was shot and killed by 23-year-old Jaycob Rory Kelsey just before 3:30 a.m. at the Motel 6 on Chattanooga Road, according to Dalton police.

Walker had been staying in a first-floor room when he called police at about 2:30 a.m. to report a noise complaint about the rooms above his. When officers arrived, though, they found the occupants of those rooms asleep, and there was no evidence of a disturbance or excessive noise.

Officers left the scene and were called back again by Walker, who was complaining about noise coming from a different room. Officers found that room to be vacant.

About an hour later, at 3:20 a.m., witnesses told police that Walker still believed the upstairs occupant was making noises and went upstairs to bang on the door of the room and tried to enter.

Witnesses told police he made threatening statements, saying he was going to “f--- them up.”

The occupant of the room, Kelsey, was armed with a handgun, and when Walker tried to force his way in Kelsey shot him multiple times, police said.

Kelsey then began to render aid to Walker, putting pressure on his wounds.

A 911 call was made at 3:27 a.m., and when first responders arrived Walker was pronounced dead.

The shooting is still under investigation, though Dalton police have said it may be ruled selfdefense. Walker’s body has been taken to the GBI crime lab for an autopsy. Kelsey is cooperating with investigators.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have information is asked to call Detective Scott Murray at 706-278-9085, extension 9148.