COVINGTON, GA – A harrowing sequence of shootings unfolded in Newton County, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and leaving one person critically injured. The violent spree began at a Walmart on Salem Road and ended at a nearby residence, with the suspect apprehended in South Carolina following an intense manhunt.
The tragic events began around 1:30 a.m. when a male Walmart employee, working during the closed hours, retrieved a gun from his vehicle and fatally shot a male coworker. As he left the store, the suspect allegedly shot and critically injured another male employee.
The suspect then traveled to a residence roughly two miles away, where he reportedly shot and killed a 22-year-old female coworker, identified by family friends as his girlfriend. Investigators confirmed that all involved were acquaintances.
Following the shootings, the suspect fled the scene and crossed into South Carolina, where he was captured in Aiken. The Newton County Sheriff’s Office expressed appreciation for the assistance of various law enforcement agencies in apprehending the suspect.
The Walmart where the initial shooting occurred remains closed, with plans to reopen later. As the community grapples with the aftermath, authorities continue to investigate the motives behind the shootings.
Officials are working to piece together the timeline and relationships between those involved, emphasizing the importance of addressing workplace safety and mental health concerns.
The incident has left the community mourning and seeking answers, with support services offered to those affected. Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward to aid in the investigation.
The tragic events have sparked discussions about the need for preventive measures and increased awareness to avert similar incidents in the future.