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One dead, one injured in hatchet attack
One arrested as result of attacks
pl RopedOff
Officials with the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office wait outside a house in Riceboro as a crime scene technician prepares to enter the house and process what is reported to be a murder scene. Another victim was in critical condition after being brutally attacked with what police describe as a hatchet. - photo by Phgoto by Patty Leon

RiceboroMurder

Interview with Chief Deputy Keith Moran and Riceboro Mayor Bill Austin

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RICEBORO — A woman was killed and a male relative severely injured in a hatchet attack Thursday morning by another relative, according to Liberty County Chief Deputy Keith Moran.
The attacker has been arrested and faces murder and aggravated assault charges, Moran said. He would not name the victims or attacker, saying all of their relatives had not been notified.
It seemed to be common knowledge around the Crossroads community just west of here by mid afternoon, as area residents converged on the scene to watch as officers investigated in and around their neighbor’s home at 2441 Barrington Ferry Road.
Officers were dispatched to the scene after another relative called authorities to report the suspect had just attacked her son at her house. Upon arriving, Moran said, officers found the suspect walking down the road and detained him. The deputy said the suspect commented about hurting another family member, which led the deputies to the second victim.
Her home, 2441 Barrington Ferry, was quickly roped off as a crime scene.
“One male had been struck with what appears to be an axe or hatchet type of weapon,” the deputy said. “That weapon has been seized as evidence.”
The injured man was taken to a hospital in Savannah and was listed in critical condition Thursday evening. Sources close to the victim say the suspect is that victim’s cousin.
The second victim, a woman who sources say is the mother of the suspect, was found dead inside the house. It appears the suspect used an axe or hatchet in attacking her as well, Moran said.
Although still shaken, the Riceboro community can at least have the satisfaction of knowing that someone is being held accountable for the crime.
“The suspect was identified and taken into custody and we’re working through the leads,” Moran said.
He did not detail what lead authorities to that a suspect, who he would not identify.
Sources in the area and close to the family say the suspect is long time resident and neighbor Wallace James, 49.
The tragedy has devastated the small community.
“It’s a tragedy for the entire community,” Riceboro Mayor Bill Austin said.
The community as whole is looking for strength to get through this tragic event.
“Continue to trust God and know He will see us through this tragedy and that He is present even in a time of trouble,” said the Rev. Frederick McIver, pastor of the area’s First Zion Baptist Church.
More information pertaining to the crime will be given as it is released by officials.

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Community gets a rare snow day
Snow Day 1

City of Hinesville and Liberty County offices are closed today, and the Liberty County School System is undergoing a day of virtual learning after a winter storm hit southeast Georgia.

Coastal Georgia was inundated with one of the biggest snowfalls in recorded history as forecasters called for 4-6 inches of snow to fall Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Initial reports Wednesday morning indicate at least 2 inches fell on Hinesville.

Sean Hafer and his family took advantage of the quiet roads and still Wednesday morning to enjoy the snow at Bradwell Park. He’s lived in Hinesville for almost 12 years and recalled the snow storm of 2018. But that snow was “not this deep,” he said. “It’s been a while.

“I don’t think many people went to work today,” Hafer said. “You think people would be out in it having fun, but I guess they’re scared to drive in it. It’s fun when you don’t get it around here.”

Hafer said he was curious to see how much snow was going to fall.

“They did well on this,” he said of the meteorologists. “They were accurate. They earned their pay on this one.”

The City of Hinesville declared a state of emergency Tuesday in advance of the storm and residents are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel due to potential severe weather conditions. Melting snow and ice can refreeze overnight, making roads dangerous.

Liberty County offices will remain closed until Friday. Liberty County School System students are having virtual learning Thursday.

Near-record lows tonight could lead to hazardous road conditions through tonight and Thursday morning, especially on secondary roads due to refreezing of melted snow and sleet and black ice with freezing of water puddle.

While daytime highs will be more temperate, overnight lows for the next few days are expected to remain well below freezing. The City of Hinesville encourages residents to drip their faucets overnight, insulate exposed pipes and to let warm air circulate around pipes by opening cabinet doors under sinks, especially those near exterior walls.

Some travel issues could persist Thursday night, with the potential for any remaining snow or slush to refreeze, especially on secondary roads.

The city also is reporting no power outages and all traffic lights are operational. Since most businesses are closed, traffic is minimal and residents are urged not to travel unless necessary.

 

 

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