SPALDING COUNTY, GA – A local dispute turned deadly near the Spalding County Courthouse, leaving one person dead and another seriously wounded. Sheriff Darrell Dix of Spalding County confirmed the victims’ identities as Mr. and Mrs. Mallory without divulging their first names.
The Sheriff’s report suggests the couple were departing the courthouse after attending a hearing and got into separate cars. Mrs. Mallory got into her car, after which Mr. Mallory drove by, halted beside her, and discharged multiple shots through his passenger window and at her car. Mrs. Mallory succumbed to her gunshot wounds.
Mr. Mallory, however, evaded officers trying to pull his car over. In an unexpected turn of events, he stopped his car only to shoot himself in the head. The sheriff mentioned that, despite his critical condition, he managed to survive.
Amid rumors circulating on social media alleging Mrs. Mallory had requested and was denied an escort to her car by a deputy, the sheriff clarified that these claims were unfounded. Surveillance video footage from the courthouse corroborated his statement, showing Mrs. Mallory leaving the building and walking to her car alone without interacting with any deputies.
The sheriff did, however, admit to responding to several calls to Mallory’s residence, where their problematic relationship was apparent. Despite their often confrontational engagement, it was generally unclear who the primary aggressor was, resulting in no arrests. Though Mr. Mallory was apprehended once, he was released shortly after posting bond.
The sheriff expressed deep sadness at the incident, sharing his own emotions and acknowledging the public’s rage at such a gruesome event. He emphasized the necessity of examining facts and evidence in conjunction with the law to act appropriately.
The extent of Mr. Mallory’s injuries remains unknown, as are the specific charges he will face in wake of the incident.