Across Georgia

Court to move fast on gay marriage ruling

ATLANTA - Georgia's top court says it will expedite its review of a ruling striking down the state's constitutional ban on gay marriage.

The Georgia Supreme Court said in a statement Tuesday that it will hear arguments in the case June 27, creating the possibility that the court could rule in time to avert a summertime special session of the state Legislature.

Republican Gov. Sonny Perdue has said that if the court does not rule on the issue by Aug. 7 he will call lawmakers back to the Capitol.

Seventy-six percent of voters in 2004 approved the constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages.

Man apparently shot 3, then burned house

BAXLEY - A man apparently shot his wife, stepson and a friend in a southeast Georgia farmhouse before setting it on fire and fleeing, authorities said.

Joel Jack Craven, 32, was killed Wednesday morning after being pulled over by Florida police.

The fire happened at about 9 p.m. Tuesday in rural Appling County, about 180 miles southeast of Atlanta.

Mr. Craven allegedly told a co-worker he had committed the crime Tuesday night.

Fired that killed 4 appears accidental

HOSCHTON - A house fire that claimed four lives in rural Jackson County appears to have been accidental, a state official said Wednesday.

Autopsies were being conducted at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab in DeKalb County to identify the bodies. Authorities have not released the victims' names, but said two adults and two children perished.

Man faces charge in burglar shooting

LAWRENCEVILLE - A homeowner could face criminal charges after shooting and wounding a burglar who fled.

Ronald Ramsey, 27, surprised the burglar shortly before noon Tuesday.

Gwinnett County authorities say state law doesn't allow a homeowner to shoot someone to protect property, especially if that person is fleeing.

A suspect was hospitalized and charged with burglary.

- Edited from wire reports