Four Georgia children are now without parents after a murder-suicide where their father is believed to have killed their mother before killing himself.
Johnny Franklin Brown II36, and his wife, 35 years old Christa Lee Brownwere estranged prior to Wednesday afternoon’s shooting, according to WSB-TV, an affiliate of Atlanta ABC.
Authorities responded to the incident at a home in Waco, Georgia, after a minor called 911 to say she heard her father threaten her mother just before 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 13 to be shot The investigation revealed that the father’s threat came true. Several shots were reportedly heard from the girl outside the home, but it was far too late by the time law enforcement arrived at the scene.
The Browns were discovered unresponsive and pronounced dead after law enforcement gained access to the home on Beaver Run Road.
Citing “witness testimony,” police officials say the late husband shot and killed his wife before turning his gun on himself.
“Murder-suicide cases are one of the most difficult for us to work through because there are no real answers as to why,” the Haralson County Sheriff said Stacy Williams said in a statement. “Tonight two families are mourning and four children have lost both parents in this horrific traumatic incident. Please pray with me for these children and these families.”
The HCSO described the scene as “a closed crime scene” and said the state Department of Family and Children had been “made aware” of the family status of the minor children. Two of the four orphans are minors and are currently living with a former foster parent, according to the sheriff’s office.
According to WXIA, an affiliate of Atlanta NBC, the two minors were reportedly inside the home at the time of the violence.
“We ask that you keep these families in your thoughts and prayers over the next few days as they cope with this loss,” the HCSO asked.
Details on the alleged motive for the killing are currently rare.
The HCSO offered initial information on the shootings via social media on April 13, 2022 in the immediate aftermath:
The Haralson County Sheriff’s Office is at the scene of an apparent homicide on Beaver Run Road in Waco. This is an active investigation, no further information is being released at this time. pic.twitter.com/CUY30gchft
— Haralson Sheriff (@HaralsonSheriff) April 13, 2022
The state of Georgia offers special resources for homicide survivors.
“The Georgia Commission on Family Violence provides support, resources and referrals to survivors of domestic violence, homicide and suicide in Georgia,” states a government website dedicated to that support. “Additionally, we are providing communities and constituents with training, technical support and resources to strategically implement innovative systematic changes based on the project’s findings and recommendations.”
This week’s tragedy marks at least the fourth such incident in the Peach State this year alone. A murder suicide was reported in Chatham County, Georgia in late March. Days later, another murder-suicide reportedly occurred in Cherokee County, Georgia. Just over a week later, another murder-suicide was reported in Fulton County, Georgia.
Numerous murder-suicides have occurred across the country as the COVID-19 pandemic has progressed.
[image via Haralson County Sheriff’s Office]
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