Tom Tanner

Tom Tanner was a research analyst with the University of Georgia's Carl Vinson Institute of Government and a stalwart of the local community theatre group, the Town and Gown Players. On April 25, 2009, authorities say he was shot and killed by George M. Zinkhan III, along with Zinkhan's wife Marie Bruce and fellow player Ben Teague.Red & Black: Victims all members of local community theater

According to news reports, Tanner, Marie Bruce and Ben Teague were all at the Athens Community Theatre for an honorary lunch for current and past members of the Town and Gown Players. Zinkhan, husband of Marie Bruce, came into the lunch and argued with one of the people there, and then went away.AJC: UGA professor suspected in deadly Athens shooting (April 25, 2009)

At about 12:30, while the lunch was still going on, police allege Zinkhan returned with two handguns and shot and killed Tanner, Teague and Bruce, and shot and wounded two others. Zinkhan's two young children were at the lunch.AJC: UGA professor suspected in deadly Athens shooting (April 25, 2009)

Police launched a manhunt for Zinkhan throughout the afternoon of April 25, 2009.AJC: UGA professor suspected in deadly Athens shooting (April 25, 2009)