Man covered in blood arrested after killing girlfriend, threatening to kill self, deputies say

LAGRANGE, Ga. — A Troup County man is behind bars and charged with murder after allegedly killing his girlfriend and threatening to kill himself, according to sheriff’s deputies.

Deputies say they were called to Drake Road in LaGrange on Sunday afternoon in reference to a man having a mental health crisis.

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Dispatchers informed deputies that the man, identified as 37-year-old Jay Davis Gamel, said he killed his girlfriend and was going to kill himself.

Gamel was covered in blood when deputies arrived. They were able to safely detain him.

He was taken to Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center for treatment. His condition is unknown at this time.

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After detaining Gamel, deputies found 47-year-old Tracy Shepard of Lanett, Alabama dead inside the home. She had suffered fatal injuries to her head.

Gamel is currently in custody and charged with Shepard’s murder.

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