Tragedy in Georgia: 9-Year-Old Girl and Father Found Dead in Apparent Murder-Suicide

A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded on May 27 in Brooklet, Georgia, where 9-year-old Emily Grace Mayo was found dead from an apparent gunshot wound inside a parked vehicle at a local park. Her father, 37-year-old James Lee Mayo, was also found in the car, deceased from what authorities believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

According to a statement from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), local police were alerted by a concerned citizen who reported seeing an unresponsive child locked inside a car at Brooklet City Park. Upon arrival, officers forced entry into the vehicle and made the devastating discovery—Emily was in the backseat, lifeless from an apparent gunshot wound. In the front seat, her father was found with a fatal gunshot wound and a handgun resting on his lap.

The GBI has launched a full investigation into the incident.

As the community mourns, Emily’s family is left grappling with unimaginable loss. In a statement, loved ones remembered the young girl as a beacon of joy, saying, “She loved her family, and we loved her more than we could ever put into words.”

This tragic event has shaken the small community, leaving behind unanswered questions and a profound sense of sorrow.

Community Grieves as Investigation Continues into Tragic Deaths of Georgia Father and Daughter

Authorities have launched an active investigation into the heartbreaking deaths of 9-year-old Emily Grace Mayo and her father, James Lee Mayo, 37, after both were discovered shot to death in a parked vehicle at Brooklet City Park on May 27. Autopsies are currently being conducted to determine the exact causes of death, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) confirmed.

While a handgun was recovered from James Mayo’s lap, investigators have not yet confirmed whether the same weapon or ammunition was used in both deaths.

As officials work to piece together the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, Emily’s grieving family is focusing on laying her to rest. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover funeral and burial expenses, and the community response has been overwhelming—with more than $25,000 raised as of Thursday morning.

In a heartfelt tribute, Emily’s aunt Amber Healy remembered the young girl’s vibrant spirit: “Emily had the most joyful smile and the biggest heart. She loved to laugh, dance, and sing.”

“She loved her family, and we loved her more than we could put into words,” Healy added. “The world lost a huge light.”

As Emily’s mother faces the unthinkable pain of preparing a funeral for her daughter, Healy made a plea for compassion and prayer: “Keep us all in your prayers as we navigate through this nightmare we cannot wake up from. No parent should have to make these decisions.”

The senseless loss of Emily Grace Mayo has left a profound wound in the hearts of all who knew her—and even those who didn’t. As the investigation unfolds, the community is rallying together to honor a little girl whose light will never be forgotten.