DOUGLAS, Ga. — Authorities confirmed Saturday afternoon that five members of the same immediate family died in an apparent murder-suicide Friday night, October 9, at a residence located at 1807 Robin Lane in the Touchton Woods neighborhood of Douglas.
During a 3:30 p.m. press conference Saturday, Douglas Police Chief Brannen Pruette, Coffee County Sheriff Fred T. Cole, Douglas Mayor Tony L. Paulk, and City Manager Charlie Davis addressed the tragedy, provided additional details about the investigation, and expressed condolences to the families and community.
According to Chief Pruette, officers with the Douglas Police Department and deputies from the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of an active shooter at approximately 11:09 p.m. Friday. The initial emergency call was placed by one of the victims. Police Chief Brannen Pruette confirmed that the wife had contacted police earlier Friday evening, complaining that her husband was smoking inside the residence and that the smoke was affecting her. According to Pruette, she was transported to Coffee Regional Medical Center by EMS. The apparent murder-suicide occurred later that night.
When officers arrived, they discovered four deceased adults inside the residence. A fifth adult was transported to Coffee Regional Medical Center, where that individual was later pronounced dead.
Based on preliminary investigative findings, authorities believe the incident was a murder-suicide involving five members of the same immediate family who lived together in the home.
Police emphasized that the investigation remains active and that the circumstances surrounding the deaths have not been fully established.
Chief Pruette said authorities are withholding the names of the deceased out of respect for their families and to allow appropriate notifications and investigative procedures to take place. The bodies will be transported to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab for autopsies.
Investigators have found no indication of an ongoing threat to the public associated with the incident. Pruette assured the community that additional verified information would be released when appropriate, while emphasizing the importance of protecting the integrity of the investigation.
Sheriff Fred T. Cole described Friday night as an especially difficult one for the community and the emergency personnel who responded. “Last night was a terrible night for our community,” Cole said. “Five individuals lost their lives, and their family and friends woke up hurting today.”
Cole also asked residents to remember the law enforcement officers, dispatchers, EMS workers, and medical personnel who responded to the scene. He acknowledged the emotional toll such incidents can have on first responders and emphasized the importance of the community supporting one another. “We’re a close community, and we’re going to take care of each other,” Cole said.
Mayor Tony L. Paulk expressed condolences on behalf of the City of Douglas and its City Commission. Paulk described the incident as a heartbreaking tragedy that has shaken the community and left families and loved ones grieving.
He also noted that the deaths occurred during October, which is nationally recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The mayor urged residents to recognize the seriousness of domestic violence and the importance of offering support to those who may be experiencing abuse. “No one should live in fear, and no circumstances justify taking another person’s life,” Paulk said.
He encouraged the community to respond with compassion rather than speculation and to respect the privacy of those affected. “Behind every headline are real people whose lives have been changed forever,” Paulk said.
City Manager Charlie Davis said Saturday’s tragedy marks the second murder-suicide in Douglas within approximately three months. He referenced an earlier incident in the Bryan Street area and said the latest deaths have deeply affected the community.
Davis urged residents to refrain from spreading rumors and to respect the privacy of grieving families.
He also recognized the emotional impact on the officers, emergency medical personnel, and other responders who were called to the scene. Davis said support is available for first responders who may need assistance processing the tragedy.
The Douglas Police Department is asking anyone with information about the incident to contact Investigator B. Osteen at 912-384-2222.
Anonymous tips may also be submitted through the department’s tip line at 912-260-3600.
Authorities said updates will be shared through the department’s official social media platforms as additional verified information becomes available. The victims’ identities, the sequence of events inside the home, and the circumstances leading to the shooting remain under investigation.
Hazlehurst Now will continue following this developing story and provide updates as official information is released.
Source: October 10, 2026, press conference featuring the Douglas Police Department, Coffee County Sheriff’s Office, City of Douglas Mayor’s Office, and City Manager.
