“On Friday, October 9, 2026, shortly after 11 p.m., our community experienced a heart-breaking tragedy in what authorities have identified as a domestic murder-suicide. This devastating loss of life has shaken our community and left families, friends, and loved ones facing unimaginable grief. First and foremost, I extend our deepest condolences to the families affected. No words can adequately express the sorrow surrounding such a tragedy. Please know that the City of Douglas stands with you and we ask our community to surround you with compassion, prayers, and respect during this difficult time. Douglas is more than a city. We are neighbors, friends, and a community that stands together, especially in times of tragedy. It is especially heartbreaking that this incident occurred during October, nationally recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This tragedy reminds us that domestic violence is not something that happens only in other communities. It can happen right here among our neighbors, friends, and families,” said Mayor Tony Paulk at a press conference Saturday afternoon to discuss a murder-suicide that occurred on Friday night and left five people dead.
Mayor Paulk, along with Douglas Police Chief Brannen Pruette, Sheriff Fred Cole, and Douglas City Manager Charlie Davis, spoke with media members regarding the incident.
According to Chief Pruette, at approximately 11:09 p.m., officers with the Douglas Police Department, along with deputies from the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office, responded to a report of an active shooter at 1807 Robin Lane, located in the Touchton Woods neighborhood.
Chief Pruette stated that the initial emergency call was placed by one of the victims. When officers arrived, they discovered multiple victims, one of whom was still alive. “[She] was transported to Coffee Regional Medical Center, where that individual was later pronounced deceased. Based on preliminary findings, investigators believe this incident was an apparent murder-suicide of a lot of immediate family members who were tied together in the home. At this time, investigators have found no indication of an ongoing threat to the public associated with this incident. Out of respect for the families and to allow appropriate notification, investigative procedures to take place, we are not releasing identities of the deceased at this time. The deceased individuals will be transported to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab for autopsy. This remains an active and ongoing investigation, while we recognize the community’s desire for answers, certain details cannot be released at this stage. Our responsibility is to ensure that investigation is conducted thoroughly, accurately, and without compromising its integrity. We want to assure the public that we are committed to transparency and will provide additional verification information as it comes available and is appropriate for release,” he said.
“Last night was a terrible night for our community. Five individuals lost their lives and their family and friends woke up hurting today. Our sheriff’s office responded last night to support the Douglas Police Department and we gave them every resource we had available and we will continue to do that and support them in any way possible. Right now, my thoughts and prayers are with these families. I want everybody to remember the officers, the EMS workers, dispatchers, and medical personnel who worked on these families last night. It’s heavy on their hearts. This was a hard scene for everybody involved. We are a close community and we are going to take care of each other. We were going to get through this,” said Sheriff Fred Cole.
“Douglas and Coffee County, God and his angels are hurting, weeping today. This is the second incident that we’ve had in the last three months, a murder-suicide. We had one in the Bryan Street area, and we have one in the Touchton Woods area. Domestic violence doesn’t know race, it doesn’t know religion, it doesn’t know geographic location. The City of Douglas extends its deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the families, friend, and loved one in this situation. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those grieving during this incredibly difficult time as well as our community as we process this heartbreaking incident,” said City Manager Davis.
Following their remarks, officials took questions from attendees. Saturday morning, DouglasNow had learned that police officers may have responded to a call at the same house earlier Friday evening. When asked, Chief Pruette answered. “It’s my understanding the call was placed by the female victim. She called and was complaining about the husband who was in the house smoking. And she said he was killing her with the smoke, from what I understand. And she was transported to Coffee Regional Medical Center by EMS,” he said.
