On September 22, 2025, Mississippi man Jonathan McGill reported his wife Shardee McGill and their 3-year-old daughter Janae, missing. According to McGill, his wife packed up their daughter on September 21, 2025, and they took off. No one had heard from them for a day before the husband made the report. They were later added to the national missing person’s database. Because the mom left with her child, there was nothing initially deemed suspicious; Jonathan McGill was questioned, but he was ultimately released. Sadly, the bodies of Shardee and Janae were found days later. Now, police are revealing the deaths may have been a murder-suicide.
After the bodies of 32-year-old Shardee McGill and her daughter were found, they were taken to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for confirmation of identity and autopsy, WJTV reported.
Based on what was found by the department and during the investigation, both of their deaths were the result of drowning, WBRC reported. Although the death of Shardee was ruled a suicide, the death of Janae was ruled a homicide.
“Over the course of the investigation, the determination has been made that there are no additional suspects involved,” Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Sgt. Reginal King shared on December 18, AL.com reported.
The investigation is ongoing, according to WJTV and WBRC. Once it is complete, the findings will be turned over to the 17th Judicial Circuit, District Attorney’s Office.
On September 23, Shardee McGill’s vehicle was found unoccupied in Epes, Alabama, per WBRC. Authorities announced they found an “adult body” in the Tombigbee River on September 25 that was later identified as the mother. Her daughter’s body was found a short distance away in the river on the next day.
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.
