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Arrest warrants issued for Georgia man suspected of killing 4 family members and a friend

Police suspect Thomas Jesse Lee killed four members of his family -- including his wife and daughter-in-law -- as well as a family friend.

By Fred Lambert

LAGRANGE, Ga., Feb. 1 (UPI) -- Authorities in Georgia have issued arrest warrants for a man they say killed four members of his own family and a friend.

Thomas Jesse Lee, 26, is suspected of killing William Burtron, 69; Sheila Burtron, 68; his wife, Christie Lee, 33; and Bailey Burtron, 16 -- all of whom were members of his family. He also stands accused of killing family friend Iiaonna Green, 18.

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The Troup County Sheriff's Office discovered the victims Saturday during a wellness check, which was requested by the Walmart Distribution Center in LaGrange after William Burtron failed to show up for work. At least four of the victims had been shot.

Troup County sheriffs initially named Thomas Lee as a person of interest before issuing arrest warrants against him Sunday. He may be driving an olive green Mazda Tribute with Georgia tag number BRN0785.

Authorities believe Thomas and Christie Lee were married and lived in the LaGrange home for three years. Bailey Burtron was Christie Lee's daughter and was friend to Iiaonna Green, who had recently moved into the home.

Troup County Sheriff James Woodruff told WTVM that the family seemed pleasant and neighborly, and that Thomas Lee could normally be seen mowing grass outside the home.

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The scene of the crime is closed until Monday, the same day all five bodies will undergo autopsy at a lab in Atlanta.

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