Three people are confirmed dead in an apparent double-murder suicide at a home in the Winding Stair subdivision off of Highway 17 in Clarkesville. Authorities have confirmed the identities of two of the victims; Kathy Smith and Anthony Giaquinta, the alleged shooter. Giaquinta was Smith’s ex-husband and a former Habersham County deputy and K-9 handler. The identity of the third victim has not yet been confirmed.
GBI Deputy Director Rusty Andrews says the incident began around 7:30pm when emergency dispatch received a 911 call about a domestic dispute with shots fired at 281 Lower Pond Court. Habersham County Sheriff Joey Terrell and Deputy Bill Zigan responded to the call. Andrews says when they arrived they found a woman dead in the garage. “They made entry into the residence to see if there were other victims inside. Upon making entry it appears that they were ambushed by a male.” Andrews says that man, identified as Giaquinta, shot Sheriff Terrell one time and Zigan multiple times. Both officers returned fire. Andrews says, “Giaquinta fled the residence, got into a vehicle and drove a short distance away from the residence where he abandoned the vehicle.”
A massive manhunt was launched involving officers from numerous state and local agencies. Residents in the area were alerted by homeowner’s associations and local media to stay inside and lock their doors. Around 9:30pm officers received reports of shots fired. Two hours later, officials announced that Giaquinta and another man were found dead outside the residence. Andrews says it appears Giaquinta shot the other man then killed himself.
One of the couple’s two daughters was inside the home at the time of the shooting. She managed to escape the scene without injury.
Both Terrell and Zigan were transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville. Terrell was released several hours later (See Sheriff released from hospital). Zigan remains hospitalized with non life-threatening injuries.
Officers remained on the scene into the early morning hours. The case remains under investigation.
