An Alabama man has been charged in the fatal shooting of his father and the father’s dog.

Tracy Poling, 55, was found shot to death Wednesday at his home on U.S. 43 North in Hamilton, according to Marion County sheriff’s officials.

Sheriff Kevin Williams on Friday announced charges against 28-year-old Austin Poling, who lived with his father. Austin Poling is charged with murder and cruelty to animals.

Williams said deputies responded at 5:19 a.m. Wednesday to the family’s home on a request for assistance.

Hamilton police officers, Hamilton firefighters and Marion County EMS were already on the scene.

The suspect, Williams said, had already left the location.

Investigators began processing the crime scene and discovered shell casings and projectiles near the Tracy Poling and his dog.

They found Austin Poling walking along Highway 187 not far from the crime scene. He was taken into custody.

A motive has not yet been disclosed.

Austin Poling is being held in the Marion County jail on bonds totaling $160,000.

The investigation is ongoing.