PAULDING COUNTY, Ga. — A day after the discovery of four bodies inside a Paulding County home, investigators are still searching for answers.
Cpl. Sam Driskoll was among the four people found dead in the home.
His and his family’s deaths have sent shockwaves through the community.
“Just the highlight of their day, the bright shining student that comes in and makes your day better,” principal Gary Plunkett said.
A dozen guidance counselors met students at Austin Middle, where most of the classmates had already learned the 7th grade honor student, Carolyn Driskoll, would no longer be coming to class.
“What we’ve found, it’s been the most challenging throughout the day, she was in their class and there’s now an empty seat in the classroom,” Plunkett said.
Besides the 10-year deputy and his daughter, the deputy’s 36-year-old wife and his stepson, Felix Almonte, were also shot in the head. Investigators believe Almonte used the detective’s gun to kill his family before killing himself.
“He was nice, always nice to everyone so I don’t know,” cousin of the suspected shooter, Haley Smallwood said.
In fact, there’s worry no one will ever know what triggered the violence in the home.
GBI investigators were interviewing Driskoll’s co-workers at the Sheriff’s Office, where flags flew in half-staff.
They were also talking to family and friends. Some had posted a support page for the family.
But by all indications, if there were problems in the Ridge Road home, the Driskolls kept it to themselves.
“They were a very private family, so they didn’t air out their problems among those here at work,” Cpl. Ashley Henson said.
The GBI is still conducting autopsies.
The funeral arrangements for Corporal Sam Driskell are as follows:
Visitation: Sunday 01/11/15, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at West Ridge Church, Dallas, Ga.
Funeral: Monday 01/12/15, 11 a.m. at West Ridge Church, Dallas, Ga. Interment will follow the funeral at Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery, Hiram, Ga.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Paulding County Sheriff's Office 'Cops for Kids' Christmas shopping program.
Clark Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
WSBTV
