Glenwood, GA – On Wednesday, September 14, 2016, John Anthony Higginbotham, 39, was arrested on charges of one count of Malice Murder and one count of Felony Murder for the death of Belynda Higginbotham, 47.

On Tuesday, September 13, 2016, the Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office requested GBI’s assistance with the investigation of a shooting which occurred that afternoon outside of the residence located at 271 East Hope Church Road.  The initial investigation revealed that there was a verbal altercation between Belynda Higginbotham and her step-son, John Anthony Higginbotham, who in turn allegedly shot Belynda Higginbotham.  Belynda Higginbotham was pronounced deceased at the scene of the shooting. 

The Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office and the GBI were assisted in the investigation by the Georgia State Patrol and the Oconee Drug Task Force.  This investigation is active and ongoing.  Anyone with information pertaining to the homicide investigation is encouraged to contact the GBI office at 478-374-6988.

Contact: Assistant Special Agent in Charge - Lindsey Giddens | 478-374-6988