The Georgia soldier who was on the run after he fatally shot his ex-wife, and wounded a grandmother who was holding her infant grandchild was transported to the hospital after shooting himself, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office said.
Christopher Thomas, 30, of Acworth, was wanted for fatally shooting his ex-wife Victoria Thomas. Deputies said Thomas also shot his ex-wife’s mother as she held her 4-month-old grandchild in her arms. The child was not injured but the grandmother was left in critical condition, according to deputies.
“When there’s a small child involved it makes it doubly tough on everyone and we’re obviously concerned about that family,” said Captain Jay Baker, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said they later found Thomas around on Monday evening at a Walmart in Paulding County. Deputies there said Thomas had attempted suicide but was not successful. He was rushed to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in critical condition.
Update: Authorities announced on Tuesday morning that Thomas has died at a hospital late Monday after shooting himself, Fox5 News reported.
A sheriff’s office spokesperson said the shooting occurred on Sunday night at 200 Autumn Brook Drive, east of Canton. Responding officers found two people shot. Deputies said 30-year-old Victoria Thomas was pronounced dead at the scene. Her 68-year-old mother, Myrna Garcia, was severely wounded and was reported to be in critical condition at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital as of Monday afternoon. She was holding a 4-month-old baby when she was shot, deputies said.
“It appears Ms. Garcia was holding her 4-month-old grandchild at the time of the shooting, unfortunately. The grandchild was not injured but both were transported…to Kennestone Hospital,” said Capt. Baker.
“The suspect does not live at the residence, his wife lives there with her mother, and two children. He arrived at the location sometime last night and several shots were fired and he fled,” said Capt. Baker.
A 10-year-old who was at the home at the time of the shooting called 911, deputies said. Investigators said Thomas is in the Army but is not on active duty.
