Five people were shot and killed Friday in an apparent murder-suicide at a Georgia residence, authorities said.
The deceased were family members who lived in the home in Douglas, a town in southern Georgia.
Officers responded to reports of an active shooter later Friday, Douglas Police Chief Brannen Pruette said at a news conference Saturday. It was one of the victims who made the first emergency call.
Responding officers found four adults deceased inside the home. A fifth person was taken to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Details of 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 “killing” her by smoking. EMS transported her to a local medical center.
Police did not provide additional information, citing the ongoing investigation.
“We recognize the profound impact of this loss on those closest to the victims in our community. We ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy and allow them the time and space they need to grieve,” Pruette said.
Douglas City Manager Charlie Davis said it was the second murder-suicide in the area in three months.
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“Domestic violence doesn’t know race. It doesn’t know religion. It doesn’t know geography,” Davis said. “We encourage everyone to refrain from speculation and give the family the space, dignity and compassion they deserve during this time.”
In a similar episode of violence, a Pennsylvania man shot and killed several members of his family on Friday before committing suicide.
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