On Saturday, March 14, 2026 at approximately 9:03 P.M., members of the Appling County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) were advised of a possible intoxicated driver located on US 1 North. Upon locating the suspected vehicle, Deputies observed the body of an adult male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.

First Responders and Appling Emergency Medical Services were notified; however, it was determined the male subject was deceased and the Appling County Coroner’s Office was requested. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) was called in to assist with the investigation.

The male subject was identified as thirty-eight-year-old (38) TRACY MEALING from Trenton, South Carolina. Mr. Mealing will be transported to the GBI Crime Lab for an autopsy. This case is active and ongoing and is being investigated by the ACSO, GBI, and the Appling County Coroner’s Office.

Sheriff Mark Melton encourages anyone with information to please contact the ACSO at (912)-367-8120 or the GBI Region 4 Field Office at (912) 389-4103.