Three people were killed on Thursday, in a double murder-suicide in the parking lot of the McDonald's at Varnell, Ga., in Whitfield County, Ga.
The Whitfield County 911 center received a call of persons being shot in the parking lot of a Shell gas station, located at 3896 Cleveland Highway, in Varnell, Ga. The Shell station and McDonald's share the same building and parking area. Upon arrival of first responders they discovered three individuals had been shot, and all three died at the scene.
The three have been identified as Melissa Ball, 28, Christopher Eric Whitmore, 36, and their child Grayden Lee Whitmore, eight.
They lived in the Beaverdale area. The couple had previous domestic issues and were separated at the time of the incident.
Investigators have determined Ms. Ball pulled up to a gas pump at the Shell station in her 2013 Ford Focus and immediately after she pulled up, Christopher Eric Whitmore drove up and parked directly behind her. They both exited their cars and both walked to the back door (passenger side) of the 2010 Dodge Mr. Whitmore was driving.
Investigators determined at that time Christopher Eric Whitmore pulled out a handgun and shot their son while he was sitting in the back seat of the Dodge. Whitmore then immediately pointed the gun at Ms. Ball and shot her, and then shot himself.
The investigation into the incident is continuing. Assisting the sheriff’s office in the investigation are the Varnell Police Department, the Cohutta Police Department, the Coroner’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, and the Georgia State Patrol.