Appeals Judge Found Shot Dead Behind Home

(The Washington Times) Associated Press August 25 2019 ALBANY Ga. An appeals judge in Georgia was found Saturday shot dead behind his Albany home but officials do not believe it was a homicide. Albany police were dispatched to the residence and found Judge Stephen Goss 60 in a wooded area dead from a gunshot wound news outlets reported. Dougherty County District Attorney Greg Edwards said the investigation is ongoing but it doesnt appear to be a homicide. Goss was appointed by then-Gov. Nathan Deal to serve as a judge on the Court of Appeals of Georgia in August 2018. Before that he served as a Superior Court judge in Albany for nearly 20 years. A statement from Chief Justice Harold D. Melton said Goss brought dignity and compassion to the delivery of justice all across this great state" and was known nationally for his work on mental health and substance abuse treatment programs. His legacy is as great as our sense of loss" Melton said. Our court and this states judiciary express our profound condolences to the Goss family." Gov. Brian Kemp offered his support to the Goss family.