A Fayette County man will face the death penalty for killing a local businessman in July, District Attorney Scott Ballard has decided.

Charles William Sangster, 46, of Ebenezer Road, Fayetteville, is charged with murdering Robert Groninger, 43, of Jericho Lane, Fayetteville. Police said Sangster shot Groninger several times at 1479 Ga. Highway 92 north where Groninger’s tree service was located.

Ballard announced his decision to seek the death penalty to the victim’s family Tuesday.

“It was really the right thing to do,” Ballard said.

Groninger’s family released a statement saying that they support Ballard’s decision.

“We continue to grieve the loss of Robert, who had such a positive impact on the lives of so many,” the statement said.

Deputies recovered the alleged murder weapon at the scene of the incident. Sheriff Randall Johnson, who lives not far from the Big Tree Tree Service building, and another deputy apprehended Sangster minutes after the shooting.