OAKWOOD, Ga. — Law enforcement agencies across Northeast Georgia are searching for a man accused of fatally shooting his former live-in girlfriend inside an Oakwood convenience store Thursday night in what investigators describe as a targeted domestic violence incident.
The victim has been identified as Tia Keith, 44, of Oakwood, according to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities say Keith was killed after being shot multiple times by her former boyfriend at the Subhanallah Food Mart on Mountain View Road.
Shooting Began Inside Vehicle, Investigators Say
According to preliminary findings released by investigators, Keith arrived at the convenience store shortly after 9:30 p.m. Thursday and entered the business to make a purchase.
After leaving the store and returning to her vehicle, detectives believe she discovered her former boyfriend sitting inside the passenger seat.
Investigators allege that the suspect then opened fire, shooting Keith multiple times while she was inside the vehicle.
Despite suffering gunshot wounds, authorities say Keith managed to escape and ran back toward the convenience store in an attempt to seek safety.
Suspect Allegedly Followed Victim Into Store
Investigators say the suspect pursued Keith into the business and continued firing.
According to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, the man allegedly shot Keith several more times inside the store before fleeing the scene.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the location shortly afterward, but Keith succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The violent attack unfolded in the presence of at least two witnesses, including a store clerk and a customer who were inside the business when the shooting occurred.
Authorities said the clerk contacted 911 moments before deputies and Oakwood Police Department officers arrived at approximately 9:40 p.m.
Multi-Agency Search Underway
Following the shooting, investigators say the suspect fled in his own vehicle before law enforcement officers reached the scene.
The Hall County Sheriff’s Office has not publicly identified the suspect, citing concerns related to the ongoing search and the safety of officers involved in the investigation.
Multiple law enforcement agencies are now assisting in efforts to locate and apprehend the man.
Officials have not released additional information regarding the suspect’s possible whereabouts or whether he remains in the Hall County area.
Authorities are urging anyone with information that could assist investigators to contact law enforcement immediately.
Community Mourns Tia Keith
News of Keith’s death has sent shockwaves through the Oakwood community, where residents are expressing grief and outrage over the fatal shooting.
Friends, neighbors, and community members have described the incident as both heartbreaking and senseless, with many extending condolences to Keith’s family and loved ones.
Domestic violence advocates have also pointed to the tragedy as a stark reminder of the dangers victims can face even after relationships have ended.
While investigators continue working to locate the suspect, many in the community are mourning the loss of a woman whose life was cut short in a violent act.
Investigation Continues
The Hall County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Detectives are collecting evidence, reviewing witness statements, and working to establish a complete timeline of events leading up to the fatal encounter.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the history between Keith and the suspect or whether any prior incidents had been reported.
The case remains active, and officials say more information will be released as the investigation progresses.
For now, family members and friends are left grieving the loss of Tia Keith while law enforcement agencies continue their search for the man accused of carrying out the fatal shooting.
Anyone with information about the suspect or his whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Hall County Sheriff’s Office or local law enforcement authorities.
