Heartbreaking Tragedy: 6 Dead, Including 3 Children, in Tennessee Murder-Suicide Near Georgia Border
In what can only be described as a heartbreaking tragedy, six people, including three children, lost their lives in a murder-suicide in Marion County, Tennessee. The shooting occurred at a home on Pine Street in the Sequatchie community, about 15 miles from the northwest Georgia border. According to News Channel 9, one person was also shot and is currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found the home on fire, and it is still unclear how many victims were shot. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is currently investigating the incident. At least two of the victims died from smoke inhalation.
The shooter has been identified as Gary Don Barnett, and some of the victims include his estranged wife, Regina Barnett, their two grandchildren, and another child. Another victim was Regina Barnett’s daughter, Brittany Perez. The ages of the children have not been released.
Sheriff Bo Burnett, who has been in law enforcement for over 43 years, described the scene as one of the worst he’s ever witnessed.
“You hear about these things, but this is one of the worst I’ve been involved in all my career as a law enforcement officer,” Burnett told News Channel 9.
News Channel 9 also obtained court documents that show Regina Barnett had expressed fear for her life to a judge in 2022. She stated that her estranged husband had threatened to shoot her, verbally abused her every day, and had anywhere from 50 to 60 guns in his room. Barnett was charged with domestic assault in that case, and Regina was granted an order of protection, which was still in effect at the time of the murders.
This tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of identifying and addressing domestic violence. If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, please seek help immediately. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
Our hearts go out to the families of the victims during this difficult time.
References
- https://newschannel9.com/news/local/he-will-get-drunk-and-shoot-me-victim-warned-court-before-marion-county-murder-suicide
- https://www.wsbtv.com/smart-tv/
- https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/gwinnett-county/41-year-old-man-arrested-after-14-year-old-gwinnett-girl-found-his-home-police-say/JQSUWVSKS5D6DFDWV3
- https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/cobb-county/man-dine-and-dashed-juicy-crab-cobb-county-now-hes-facing-murder-charges/JOFGO6EBOZBUNEUOS26P52D7GM/
- https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/cherokee-county/cherokee-county-car-dealership-employee-steals-estimated-27k-customers-authorities-say/EFPQUNM34NDGZD
- https://membercenter.wsbtv.com/newsletters
