Police: Husband killed wife, himself in Sandy Springs home

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — A husband and wife are dead in an apparent murder/suicide in Sandy Springs.

Police say Dan Wilkins, 65, shot and killed his wife, Sharon Wilkins, 55, at his mother-in-law’s home on Wednesday. They say he killed himself as police arrived on the scene.

Police and neighbors confirmed Sharon Wilkins had just moved back in with her mother.

Police said Sharon Wilkins' mother called 911 just after 9 a.m. on Wednesday to report her daughter had been shot several times at her home on Chaparral Drive. The mother said the shooter was still at the home.

According to Sgt. Ron Momon, officers heard more shots when they arrived at the home. Inside, they found Dan Wilkins dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head and Sharon Wilkins shot, but still alive. She was taken to North Fulton Hospital where she later died.

Neighbors said the couple had a young daughter who was in school when the shooting happened. They said she is now with family members.

Officials said a bomb-sniffing dog was sent to the Roswell home, for caution, before a search warrant is served. Momon said they were acting on a text message the suspect sent earlier.

“We found out there was a concerning text message he sent to a family member before the incident in Sandy Springs,” said Momon. “In an abundance of caution, we called an explosives dog out here to come check the house, just to make sure there were no booby traps or anything suspicious before the officers go in.”

The house was cleared by the dog; no explosives were found.

Channel 2’s Mike Petchenik uncovered information that may explain what led to this crime.

Court records show that Sharon Wilkins had recently taken out a temporary protective order against her husband for domestic violence. The couple had a hearing scheduled for Aug. 22.

Roswell police said an off-duty officer came to the house Monday to stand guard as Sharon Wilkins moved out.

Later that night police said she called 911. They said she was concerned that her husband may have suicidal thoughts.

Petchenik spoke with neighbors about Wednesday’s shooting. Homer Wood told Petchenik he heard gunshots while having breakfast with his wife.

“We were just watching TV and having our coffee and I heard three gunshots. And I told her, ‘That’s a gunshot,’” said Wood.

When Wood looked out his window, he said he saw a commotion.

“There was a police officer standing right at the edge of our yard with his gun drawn, so we knew something was going on,” he said.

Neighbors said they are shocked Sharon Wilkins is dead. Neighbor Anita Mize told Petchenik that she had just moved into the house with her mother.

“I’ve met her and talked to her at different times,” said Mize. “Lovely, lovely person.”

WSBTV