Family woes might have led deputy's stepson to kill
HIRAM, Ga. — Police are investigating possible family problems involving the stepson of a Paulding County sheriff's deputy after four family members were found dead in an apparent murder-suicide Tuesday.
Cpl. Sam Driskell, 52, was found dead in his bed with a gunshot wound to the head. His 36-year-old wife, Muachin, and 12-year-old daughter, Carolyn, were dead in a hallway. His 21-year-old stepson, Felix Almonte, was dead after an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
According to Cpl. Ashley Henson of the Paulding County Sheriff's Office, the bodies were discovered at a home in Douglasville, about 25 miles northwest of Atlanta, just after 1:30 p.m.
Those who knew the Driskells said they understood there were some difficulties in the home with Felix Almonte, but no indication that anything like the shootings could occur.
"We believe they had some issues with the stepson," said Paulding County Sheriff Gary Gulledge. "And we're trying to dig into that right now."
Family and friends, like Jennifer Estes, saw a solid, happy, typical family.
"I can't even imagine that happening," Estes said. "It's sad. It's very sad."
Derrick Morris is a cousin of the Driskells who lives across the street from their home. He revered Sam Driskell as a decorated deputy who spent 20 years in the military and met the woman he would marry while in the Dominican Republic. He became stepfather to her young son.
Driskell joined the Paulding County Sheriff's Office, and he and his wife had their daughter, Carolyn.
Investigators said that they became concerned when Cpl. Sam Driskell, a 10-year veteran of the Paulding County Sheriff's Office, failed to show up for a court appearance in which he was scheduled to testify. The office sent two deputies to his home.
When a deputy looked through a window, he saw a foot and thought someone was in trouble.
"The deputies at that point, forced their way inside the residence," Henson said. "And when they entered the residence, they found four individuals that were deceased. The individuals who were deceased were all victims of gunshot wounds."
A neighbor said they heard what they thought sounded like muffled gunshots at about 10:30 p.m. Monday. That is about the time that investigators say they believe the shootings took place. They also said they believe Felix Almonte used his stepfather's service weapon — a Glock .45 — to commit the triple-murder-suicide.
Gulledge said Driskell was asleep when he was shot in his head. Gulledge says Driskell's holster was empty when deputies arrived at his home and the gun he was shot with was the same as his service weapon.
In 10 years in the department, Driskell built a reputation as reliable, dependable and honorable — leaving a sheriff who has known him since high school and a department wondering what could have happened inside the home.
"All my guys are heartbroken," said Gulledge. "He's one of the best guys we've ever had."
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is handling the investigation.