Jacob Brady allegedly repaid a kindness with violence, authorities say. The 37-year-old has been charged with murder and aggravated assault in the death of Josh Addison, who investigators say was stabbed multiple times in the chest at his home in Dallas, Georgia.
Background
Addison had opened his home on Amsterdam Way to Brady and his wife after the couple experienced a difficult period, according to the Paulding County Sheriff's Office. Family members told WXIA that Brady had recently been released from jail and needed somewhere to stay while getting back on his feet.
"His heart was for those that didn't have anything and not that Josh had much, but he would give you whatever he had to try and take care of you," Addison's mother, Ann Gazell, said in an interview with WXIA. "He had a beautiful heart, and when he brought you in as a friend, he would do anything he could to help wherever possible."
The arrangement was meant to be temporary—Addison offered the couple a rent-free place to stay until they found more permanent housing, a gesture his family described as emblematic of his character. A GoFundMe page describing Addison as "loving, caring and kind" noted he leaves behind a teenage daughter.
"Tyler and Josh were notorious for ganging up on their sister, hiding plastic bugs in her bed or putting fake poop on things," Gazell recalled with a smile, sharing memories of Addison and his brother. The family has endured significant loss—Addison is the third child Gazell has lost, with one sibling dying shortly after childbirth and another passing away from cancer at age 24.
The Investigation
Deputies responded Sunday night to the residence in the 300 block of Amsterdam Way after a call reporting a stabbing. Upon arrival, they found a man on the back porch "covered in blood," according to the Paulding County Sheriff's Office. Inside the home, they discovered Addison suffering from multiple stab wounds to his chest.
Doctors at a local hospital declared Addison dead. Meanwhile, investigators learned Brady had allegedly attacked Addison during an argument as the couple was moving into the residence.
"My husband attacked him with a knife," Brady's wife told 911 operators in a call obtained by WXIA, adding that she discovered Addison after the attack and immediately called for help.
Brady was taken into custody following the incident. He remains held at the Paulding County Jail without bond on charges of murder and aggravated assault. His next scheduled court date has not yet been listed.
Key Takeaways
- Josh Addison, 37, died after allegedly being stabbed multiple times by Jacob Brady at his home in Dallas, Georgia
- Authorities say Addison had offered Brady and his wife rent-free housing after they experienced a difficult period
- Brady faces one count of murder and one count of aggravated assault
- The suspect remains jailed without bond; no court date has been set
- Addison's family described him as compassionate, noting he leaves behind a teenage daughter
What's Next
Brady is awaiting his first appearance in Paulding County Superior Court. Prosecutors have not yet indicated whether they will pursue additional charges or provide more details about the alleged attack. The investigation remains active as authorities compile evidence for what is expected to be a lengthy legal process.