Eastman, GA (December 17, 2019) – On Sunday, December 15, 2019, at approximately 1:29 p.m., the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office requested the assistance of the Eastman GBI Office to assist with a death investigation.  When law enforcement arrived, two individuals identified as 36-year-old Tina Marie Austin of Eastman and 25-year-old Charlie Kiundre Barnes Jr. of Sandersville were discovered deceased outside of Eastman Healthcare and Rehab located at 556 Chester Highway in Eastman, Dodge County, Georgia.       

Autopsies were performed on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at the GBI Crime Lab in Decatur.  Both individuals died as a result of gunshot wounds.  The investigation indicates Barnes shot and killed Austin. Barnes then committed suicide. The preliminary autopsy results are consistent with the investigative findings. Barnes and Austin were in a relationship as boyfriend and girlfriend.  Both Austin and Barnes were employees of Eastman Healthcare and Rehab; however, only Austin was working on the day of the incident.   

The investigation is active and ongoing.  If anyone has information, please contact the GBI Eastman office at 478-374-6988 or the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office at 478-559-1130.

Contact

SAC Lindsey Wilkes

Primary
(478) 374-6988