
Five people shot and killed in apparent murder-suicide, Georgia police say
Deceased were all members of the same family, officials say, and one of victims placed the initial emergency call
Five people were shot and killed in an apparent murder-suicide at a residence in Georgia on Friday, authorities say.
The deceased were family members who lived at the home in Douglas, a city in south Georgia.
Officers responded to reports of an active shooter later on Friday, Brannen Pruette, the Douglas police chief, said at a Saturday news conference. One of the victims placed the initial emergency call.
Responding officers found four deceased adults inside the home. A fifth individual was transported to a hospital, where they were later pronounced dead.
Details around how the tragedy unfolded remain unclear, including who opened fire.
Hours before the deadly shooting, a female victim called police to complain that her husband was âÂÂkilling herâ with his smoking. EMS transported her to a local medical center.
Police did not offer additional information, citing the ongoing investigation.
âÂÂWe recognize the profound impact this loss has on those closest to the victims in our community. We ask everyone to respect the privacy of the family and allow them the time and space they need to grieve,â Pruette said.
Charlie Davis, the Douglas city manager, said it was the areaâÂÂs second murder-suicide incident in three months.
âÂÂDomestic violence doesnâÂÂt know race. It doesnâÂÂt know religion. It doesnâÂÂt know geographic location,â Davis said. âÂÂWe encourage everyone to refrain from speculation and allow the family the space, dignity and compassion they deserve during this time.âÂÂ
In a similar episode of violence, a man in Pennsylvania fatally shot several family members on Friday, before killing himself.
