Investigation Continues Into Double Homicide and Potential Motives

Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader says his office is continuing the investigation surrounding the murder of two county residents and the shooting of a third which occurred on Tuesday August 27th around 8 a.m. at a residence on Highway 100.

Steven James Mauldin is in custody and has been charged in connection with the shooting deaths of a mother and son, Linda Mae Everett age 61 and her 35-year old son, Joe Edward Brown.

The third victim Daryl Marsh age 46 remains in critical condition at a local hospital. Sheriff Schrader confirmed that all three victims lived at 13023 Highway 100 residence near the Floyd County line.

While the murder weapon itself has not yet been recovered, evidence suggests that it was a 9mm handgun used in the crimes according to Sheriff Schrader.

In addition, Sheriff Schrader said that he has investigators standing by to speak with Marsh, if and when he is physically able to talk about the murders. Sources close to Marsh told AllOnGeorgia, “…he has underwent two surgeries. He was shot in his cheek and it (the bullet) went through his neck and into his shoulder..he is not out of the woods yet.”

“The investigation continues with witness and associate interviews as well as obtaining different types of data information. Obviously, we are still waiting and hoping for the opportunity to interview Mr. Marsh,” Schrader told AllOnGeorgia.

Schrader went on to say that evidence indicates Mauldin was brought to the residence by one of the victims as they were acquaintances. According to Sheriff Schrader, Maudlin had apparently been staying at the residence for several days prior to the shooting.

As for as the motive, Schrader would only say, “…we are still working on identifying a motive.” However, he was quick to add that, “…we have information that we just can’t release at this time.”

While Joe Brown and Daryl Marsh were domestic partners, Sheriff Schrader said the shootings are not being investigated as hate crimes and he did not believe the sexual orientation of the couple had anything to do with the motive.

Mauldin was captured in Coweta County, Georgia after he allegedly fled the scene of the murders in a stolen vehicle.  Law enforcement in Georgia and Alabama assisted in the 36-hour manhunt for Mauldin.  Mauldin went to Norcross, Georgia and then traveled to Moody, Alabama with an ex-girlfriend.  She was left in Alabama and Mauldin returned to Georgia where he was subsequently captured after being spotted by Coweta County, Sheriff’s Deputies.

The investigation will be ongoing for some time as different subpoenas, search warrants and interviews will continue to be conducted.

Funeral services for Ms. Everett were held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, September 5, 2019. Funeral arrangements for Joe Brown have not been announced.