SANDY SPRINGS, GA (CBS ATLANTA, Reporter Newspapers broadcast partner) –
Police are investigating the shooting death of three people at a home in Sandy Springs on Brandon Ridge Drive and investigators believe it’s a case of murder-suicide.
Investigators said the victims are an elderly woman and her two adult children.
The victims have been identified as Edith Renner, 89 and Suzanne Renner, 49, both of Sandy Springs, and Charles Renner, 45, of Kennesaw.
Capt. Steve Rose on Thursday afternoon updated the media about what investigators have learned so far.
“A pistol was found near Charles Renner IV,” Rose told Reporter Newspapers via email. “We are still waiting for the (medical examiner’s) report and other forensics however investigators believe at this point that the case is most likely a murder/suicide.”
Authorities said Edith Renner and her daughter, Suzanne Renner, lived together at the home where the shooting occurred.
Officers discovered the bodies after a friend of one of the victims called police to make a welfare check because one of the victims never showed up to work on Wednesday. That’s when police and neighbors learned Edith Renner and her children were dead.
One neighbor actually heard a sound coming from the house.
“I heard a bam,” said neighbor Jim Terrell. “Just one time, just a distinctive bam.”
Investigators collected evidence inside the home. They are treating the house as a crime scene.
“We found a weapon in the house, we haven’t concluded that was the weapon that was used those tests will be done, but we know the weapon was found in close proximity one of the victims,” said Steve Rose from the Sandy Springs Police Department.
The shooting shocked residents in the quiet neighborhood.
“It’s actually sad,” said Terrell. “It’s surreal.”
“My wife would take her shopping,” said neighbor Phil Kranz. “She was just the sweetest, kindest, gentlest woman you’d ever want to meet.”