Tragic Augusta Home Incident Claims Three Lives in Suspected Family Murder-Suicide

AUGUSTA, GA — A quiet neighborhood in Augusta was left in shock Sunday morning after three people were found deceased inside a home on Bennock Mill Road. Richmond County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene around 10:15 a.m. following a welfare check request from a concerned family member who had been unable to reach anyone inside.

Upon entry, deputies discovered the bodies of 55-year-old Sheri Methvin, her sister, 53-year-old Tina Methvin, and their 78-year-old stepfather, Harold Brooks. Investigators believe the tragic events unfolded as a result of a domestic dispute that escalated into violence, ultimately ending in a murder-suicide. According to preliminary findings, Sheri Methvin is believed to have fatally shot her sister and stepfather before turning the weapon on herself.

The Richmond County Coroner’s Office confirmed all three individuals were pronounced deceased at the scene. Their next of kin have been notified.

Incident & Investigation
According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrived at the single-story residence located in the 2700 block of Bennock Mill Road after receiving reports of possible harm to the occupants. When deputies entered the home, they encountered a distressing scene, finding the three victims in separate areas of the residence. Each had sustained gunshot wounds.

Investigators recovered a firearm believed to have been used in the incident near Sheri Methvin’s body. Early evidence suggests that the motive may have stemmed from personal and familial tension that had reportedly been ongoing for several months.

Neighbors told authorities that the family had lived in the area for many years and were generally regarded as private but polite. “They mostly kept to themselves,” said one longtime resident. “You’d see them outside working in the yard or coming back from the grocery store. No one expected something like this to happen.”

Sheriff Richard Roundtree issued a statement expressing sympathy for the victims’ relatives and emphasizing the tragic nature of the event. “This is an unimaginable loss for one family and a deeply saddening incident for our community,” Roundtree said. “Our investigators are working carefully to understand the sequence of events and ensure every detail is accounted for.”

Detectives are awaiting toxicology results and autopsy findings to confirm the timeline and manner of the deaths. Authorities say there is no evidence of forced entry, and no additional suspects are being sought at this time.

Victim Backgrounds & Family Details
Friends and relatives have described Sheri Methvin as a woman who had struggled emotionally in recent years following a series of personal hardships. Her sister, Tina Methvin, was remembered as compassionate and hardworking, often serving as the emotional anchor within the family. Their stepfather, Harold Brooks, a retired mechanic and Army veteran, was widely respected for his kindness and dedication to his family.

Relatives say Tina had been caring for Harold, who had been facing health challenges. Sheri, who had recently moved back into the family home, was believed to have been under stress and reportedly struggling with mental health issues. Those close to the family noted that tensions had grown in the household but never imagined it could lead to such a heartbreaking outcome.

Community Response
The Bennock Mill Road community has been left reeling. Neighbors have begun leaving flowers and candles near the family’s mailbox, honoring the memory of those lost. Many residents described the situation as “heartbreaking” and said the incident highlights the importance of addressing mental health concerns before they turn into tragedy.

Local pastors and grief counselors have offered support to friends and neighbors affected by the event. “When something like this happens in a close community, everyone feels the impact,” said Reverend Marcus Hill of a nearby church. “We must come together to comfort one another and remind families that help is available before pain becomes irreversible.”

Next Steps
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and the Coroner’s Office continue to investigate, though officials have emphasized that the case appears to be a contained domestic tragedy. Autopsies are being conducted at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Crime Lab to establish the exact sequence of events and confirm the preliminary findings.

Authorities expect to release final reports once all forensic evidence and autopsy results are reviewed. In the meantime, the community is urged to support one another and remain vigilant about signs of distress among loved ones.

Summary
In Augusta, Georgia, tragedy struck on Bennock Mill Road when 55-year-old Sheri Methvin allegedly shot her sister, Tina Methvin, and their stepfather, Harold Brooks, before taking her own life. The devastating event, which police describe as a domestic-related murder-suicide, has shaken the local community. As investigations continue, family and friends remember the victims with love and sorrow, hoping their loss serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and mental health awareness.