Douglas County Bar Shooting Leaves One Dead, Three Others Injured

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga. — One person was killed and three others were injured following a shooting at a bar in Douglas County over the weekend, according to authorities.

The shooting occurred at Marlene’s, located off Maxham Road near Thornton Road, close to the Austell city limits. Officials with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the injuries to Channel 2’s Eryn Rogers.

A man who declined to appear on camera told Rogers that his friend, who works as a security guard at the bar, was shot in the leg and is recovering. He also stated that two of the other victims were customers at the establishment.

A nearby business owner told Channel 2 Action News that the owners of Marlene’s are good neighbors but described the incident as frightening. The business owner said he hopes law enforcement will increase its presence in the area.

Authorities have not released information regarding what led up to the shooting, nor have they identified any suspects. Details about the conditions of the three injured victims have not been disclosed.

Source: 1 dead, 3 injured after shooting at Douglas County bar, WSB-TV Channel 2 Action News, January 2026.

Our Perspective at Georgia Victims

Georgia Victims – Shootings at bars and other public establishments raise serious concerns about public safety, security, and the protection of patrons and staff. Incidents involving gun violence can leave families coping with sudden loss, injury, and unanswered questions.

When violent incidents occur at businesses open to the public, questions may arise regarding safety measures, security practices, and whether additional precautions could have helped reduce risks or prevent harm.

In incidents involving violent crime, key questions arise regarding the environment surrounding the event and whether additional security or proactive measures could have reduced risks. Families navigating the aftermath may seek guidance about their rights, support resources, or potential legal avenues if negligence contributed to unsafe condition.

Were you recently injured in a shooting, violent crime, or harmed due to someone’s negligence? Have questions, need support, or want to speak with someone about your rights as a victim? Contact us today. We offer legal assistance, if desired, and represent clients on a contingency agreement—meaning no fees are owed unless we recover for you.

When a dangerous incident occurs at a residential property, apartment complex, or public area, key concerns arise regarding property safety and potential negligence.

Questions may emerge about whether appropriate security measures were in place at the Millwood Apartment Complex—such as adequate lighting, security monitoring, or other reasonable precautions—to help identify risks or deter violent activity.

• Were adequate security measures in place, such as surveillance coverage, on-site security presence, or proper monitoring of high-traffic areas?
• Did the property owner or management know about prior safety issues, disturbances, or incidents that could indicate the need for increased security?
• Could stronger precautions or timely interventions—including better lighting, active security patrols, or improved oversight—have helped reduce the risk of violence or deter dangerous behavior?

Under Georgia premises liability law, property owners and management companies may be held responsible if insufficient security contributes to preventable harm. When foreseeable risks are not addressed, families affected by violent crime may have grounds to explore a legal claim.

Were you recently injured in a shooting, violent crime, or harmed due to someone’s negligence? Have questions, need support, or want to speak with someone about your rights as a victim? Contact us today. We offer our legal assistance, if desired.  We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover.  

When ‘red flags’ are ignored, the consequences are life-altering. Read our deep dive into the Idaho student murder lawsuit to understand when a property owner’s silence becomes a legal liability.

Image source: Marlene’s Bar Douglas County