A 22-year-old man was arrested and charged with the deadly shooting of his mother and a family friend Monday in east Georgia, the sheriff said.
Justin Slaughter was taken into custody after several law enforcement agencies responded in Morgan County, according to a news release from Sheriff Robert S. Markley’s office.
The body of Paula Slaughter, 54, was found outside a residence, officials said. The dead man was identified as Colin Smith, 53.
Shortly after 5 p.m., deputies responded to a call about a dead person in the 1000 block of Slaughter Veasley Road, the sheriff said. Officials said the shooter was either barricaded in the home with a hostage or hiding in woods outside the home, according to the release.
Authorities secured the perimeter of the home, and a Georgia State Patrol helicopter and Walton County SWAT team helped search for the shooter and other potential victims.
Justin Slaughter was found in the woods near the home and arrested, according to the sheriff.
A motive is not known, and the investigation continues, according to the release. The GBI is assisting.
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