A lot of adults have negative things to say about young children using phones, but sometimes, it can save their lives. A young girl in Georgia recently used her phone to FaceTime a friend when she was in serious trouble, which allowed her to get help. The young girl was in a home when a woman was shot, and then a man shot himself in what appears to be a murder-suicide. Although details are still emerging as the investigation continues, the girl is safely in the care of a family member, thanks to having a cellphone.
Deputies from the Hall County Sheriff’s Office were called to a home in Flowery Branch shortly before 3 p.m. November 1, 2025, according to a news release. When they arrived, they found a 50-year-old woman “at the threshold of the residence.” She was already dead.
After searching the home, they found the body of a 51-year-old man in the basement. The 9-year-old girl was found hiding upstairs in a bedroom closet.
“Investigators said the victim was shot multiple times. The gunman died from a single self-inflicted gunshot wound,” the release read.
While the investigation is ongoing, officials are calling the shooting an “apparent murder-suicide.”
According to authorities, the girl saw the shooting, WJCL reported. She called a friend on FaceTime while hiding in the closet. That friend told her parents what had happened, and they called 911 on the girl’s behalf.
The sheriff’s office did not share any information about how the girl knew the victims of the murder-suicide, 11 Alive reported. The Department of Family and Children’s Services was contacted to help place the child in another home. She is currently staying with a relative.
The names of the victims will not be released until next of kin, who live out of state, have been contacted, the sheriff’s office noted. The investigation is ongoing.
Note: If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. They are available 24/7 by phone or online chat.
