The quiet community of Bryan County is reeling after a tragic series of events that left a married couple dead and a suspect deceased following a police pursuit on Sunday evening. Authorities with the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Kenneth C. “Craig” Lanier and Rhonda Lanier were found fatally shot inside their home in Nevils.
According to investigators, the situation began around 4 p.m. when a man stopped near his home to help what appeared to be a stranded motorist who had reportedly run out of gas. Authorities later identified the individual as Anthony Andrea Forney. During the encounter, officials say Forney allegedly climbed into the driver’s seat of the man’s truck and drove away with the vehicle.
The truck’s owner immediately contacted the Bulloch County 911 Center and was able to track the stolen vehicle using a GPS system. The signal eventually led law enforcement to the area of Ash Branch Church Road. Deputies soon spotted a gray Toyota Camry believed to be connected to the suspect traveling at a high rate of speed.
Officers from the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia State Patrol attempted to stop the vehicle, which led to a pursuit along the roadway. During the chase, the vehicle lost control, swerved into a ditch, and overturned. When officers approached the wrecked car, they discovered that Forney had suffered a fatal self-inflicted gunshot wound inside the vehicle.
Meanwhile, deputies investigating the situation approached a nearby residence connected to the suspect. Authorities located the stolen truck parked on the property. When deputies looked through the windows of the home, they saw two individuals lying motionless on the floor. Officers entered the residence and discovered that Craig and Rhonda Lanier had both died from gunshot wounds.
Mark D. Crowe said the tragedy has left the community with heavy hearts. He expressed condolences to the Lanier family and asked residents to keep them in their thoughts and prayers during this painful time. Roads near Ash Branch Road remained closed as investigators processed the rural scene. Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue working to understand the full circumstances surrounding the devastating incident.
