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Apparent murder/suicide in Richmond Hill
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A Richmond Hill couple is dead after what police are investigating as a murder/suicide.

Shirley Davis Hiers, 67, and Richard Earl Bates, 55, were discovered with gunshot wounds at 62 Mimosa St. in Richmond Hill. First responders were dispatched to the scene following a call regarding a female needing medical attention.

Bates died on the scene, and Hiers died later after being transported to Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah by Bryan County EMS.

Richmond Hill police are still investigating the incident. However, preliminary investigation indicates that Bates shot Hiers before taking his own life.

Police have no motive for the shooting and there was no indication of other foul play in the residence. Family members last spoke with the couple around 6:30 p.m. and stated nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

Both Hiers and Bates were taken to the GBI crime lab for autopsy examination.

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