Child Witnesses Apparent Murder-Suicide That Killed 2, GA Sheriff Says

FLOWERY BRANCH, GA — Police say they found a man and woman dead in an apparent murder-suicide in Flowery Branch after a 9-year-old girl hiding in a closet reported the shooting to a friend via FaceTime.

The Hall County Sheriff's Office on Sunday said the deadly shooting happened around 3 p.m. Saturday at a home in the 5400 block of Bushnell Court.

When deputies arrived, authorities said they found a 50-year-old Gainesville woman dead near the front door of the home. They said the woman had been shot multiple times.

The 51-year-old accused gunman was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the basement, authorities said.

A 9-year-old girl who was hiding in an upstairs bedroom closet was not physically harmed, authorities said.

The girl, who witnessed the shooting, called a friend on FaceTime; then, the friend told her parents about the call, authorities said. The friend's parents then notified 911, authorities said.

The Department of Family and Children’s Services were contacted to assist the child, who was eventually released into a relative's custody, authorities said.

The man and woman found dead were not identified, pending next-of-kin notification. A motive was not revealed.

If you or someone you know is considering self-harm or suicide, there are resources available. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline operates 24 hours a day and can be reached at 988. The Crisis Text Line can provide support through text messages by texting "HOME" to 741741.