Georgia man Wayne Anthony Hawes found dead after killing five

Apr 23, 2016 - 08:31
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Georgia man Wayne Anthony Hawes found dead after killing five
Officials: 5 people dead in 2 shootings in Georgia

A man who shot and killed five people during two separate shootings as part of a domestic dispute in Georgia was found dead in his home early Saturday of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said.

The body of shooting suspect Wayne Anthony Hawes, 50, was recovered Saturday by authorities in his northeaste Georgia home, Columbia County Sheriff Captain Andy Shedd said in a statement. Shedd said the Friday night shootings stem from a domestic dispute that left three men and two women dead.

Sheriff deputies responded to a home on Johnson Drive about 7:54 p.m. Friday and discovered three victims - a man and two women. At 8:32 p.m., authorities responded to a second crime scene on Washington Road where two other victims, a man and a woman, also were found.

The victims found at the home on Johnson Drive were identified as Roosevelt Bus, 75, Rheva Mae Dent, 85, and Kelia Clark, 31. Victims found at the Washington Road scene were identified as Lizzy Williams, 59, and Shelly Williams, 62.

Hawes knew the victims and the shootings stemmed from a domestic incident, Shedd said.

He said Hawes' wife was not among the victims but that some of her family members were among those killed.

One woman died on the way to the hospital, according to Shedd. The others were dead at the scene.

An investigation is ongoing.

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Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.