Toccoa Couple Deaths Ruled Murder-Suicide

By Charlie Bauder, WNEG Radio, Toccoa

In Toccoa, authorities say a couple found dead in their apartment are the victims of a murder-suicide.

Wednesday afternoon, Toccoa Police Chief Tim Jarrell said autopsy results confirmed the manner of deaths for 51-year-old Ernest Farren Mitchell and 49-year-old Selena Dianne Mitchell.

“From the information that the Medical Examiner’s Office was able to obtain and their part of the investigation, Mr. Mitchell shot his wife and then shot himself,” said Jarrell.

According to Jarrell, an officer responded to an apartment at the Andrews Court Apartment complex on Currahee St. just after noon on Tuesday for a welfare check.

“When we arrived, we met with the complainant,” said Jarrell. “He told us he had come by to check on family members. When he got there, the door was locked. No one responded to the door. While he was looking in the window, he could see someone laying on the floor.”

Jarrell said one of his officers forced his way into the apartment and found the couple dead.

“When officers made entry into the apartment, there was a clear indication to the officers that these deaths were not of a natural cause,” said Jarrell.

Jarrell said so far, investigators don’t know why Mitchell shot his wife and then turned the gun on himself.  He said investigators found no evidence of forced entry and he said there was never any threat to the public.