Two sisters in their 70s were found dead in their Chatham County, Georgia, home in what authorities are calling an apparent murder-suicide. The incident occurred on Sunday evening, September 15, 2024, in the 100 block of Windfield Drive, near Isle of Hope. The Chatham County Police Department responded to a 911 call around 5:30 p.m., where they discovered the bodies of 70-year-old Deborah Hudson and her sister, 71-year-old Deloris Hooker.
According to law enforcement, both women died from gunshot wounds, and preliminary evidence suggests that Hooker shot her sister before turning the gun on herself. Neighbors revealed that the two women had ongoing disputes, with the most recent argument stemming from Hooker’s attempts to gain access to their father’s home, where Hudson had been living as his caretaker.
Hudson, caring for their 98-year-old father, lived in the home for several years. Hooker, facing homelessness, reportedly broke into the house through the back door to confront her sister. This confrontation quickly escalated into violence.
The Chatham County Coroner’s Office confirmed the sisters’ identities and reported that both women had been shot at least once. Autopsy results are pending, but the investigation is ongoing. No further details have been released regarding the motive or other circumstances that led to the tragic deaths. Despite the nature of the incident, police emphasized that there was no danger to the public and that they were not seeking additional suspects.
Residents in the neighborhood have been shocked by the news, with some expressing disbelief over the sudden escalation in the sisters’ feud. They mentioned that this type of incident is unusual for the area, which generally experiences low crime levels. They added that they have been familiar with the family for many years.
The Chatham County Police Department continues investigating the case, and further information will be released as it becomes available. For those in crisis, officials are urging the public to seek help from available resources, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or local support services. Tragic situations like this often serve as a reminder of the importance of mental health and seeking assistance before conflicts escalate into violence.