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A deranged Georgia father of three shot his wife in the head and then turned the weapon on himself in a grisly murder-suicide that unfolded within earshot of their children, police said.
One of the couple’s teenage sons discovered the tragic scene and reported it to authorities, telling 911 operators that a domestic dispute escalated into a fatal shooting.
Police say the children — ages 17, 13 and 12 — were inside the home when shots rang out on Sunday.
Martha Holladay, 43.First responders found Richard Holladay, 52, and his wife, Martha Holladay, 43, dead inside the Johns Creek home, about 27 miles from downtown Atlanta.
“Preliminary investigations indicate the female died from a gunshot wound to the head and that the male died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head,” the John Creek Police Department said.
“Although investigations are early and ongoing, detectives believe the male shot and killed the female and then took his own life.”
The children are safe and police said the parents’ next of kin have been notified.
Tributes for Martha Holladay described her as a woman of deep faith, positivity and compassion, according to the North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, where she served as a board member.
5360 North Hillbrook Trace, where the apparent murder-suicide took place. 11Alive“Martha was a beautiful and talented professional who created and led Chamber events with a passion to make our members feel happy and connected,” the Chamber wrote in a post on Instagram.
“She left a lasting impact on all of us. We mourn her untimely death and pray for her sons who she loved deeply and with all her heart.”
The incident remains under investigation.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
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