Police in Troup County, Georgia, are searching for a 26-year-old man accused of killing five people, including his wife and members of her family. The bodies were discovered on Saturday in the family's home in a quiet suburb near LaGrange, about 80 miles south-west of Atlanta.
The suspect, Thomas Jesse Lee, is described as a white male, 6ft 3in tall, with blue eyes, red hair and a beard. He may be driving an olive green Mazda Tribute. The US Marshals Service has been called in to assist the manhunt, as investigators follow leads in Tennessee, Florida and Ohio.
Sheriff James Woodruff told the Associated Press that the victims had been dead for three days before being found. A concerned employer reported one of the victims missing. Woodruff said four of the victims had been shot, but cautioned that autopsies are pending. Sergeant Stewart Smith said no weapon was recovered at the scene, indicating Lee may still be armed.
The deceased are Christie Lee, 33; her daughter Bailey Burtron, 16; Christie's parents William Burtron, 69, and Sheila Burtron, 68; and family friend Iiaonna Green, 18. Deputies forced entry after finding cars parked outside and no answer. William Burtron was found dead in the kitchen, the others in separate bedrooms.
Sheriff Woodruff said neighbours reported nothing unusual. Lee lived at the home and had no known prior criminal record or domestic issues. Anyone with information is urged to call 911.
