BRUNSWICK, Ga. – The deaths of a well-known, well-respected Brunswick couple and their adult grandson have stunned their neighbors, particularly since police suspect foul play.
Officers were called to the couple's Wolfe Street house about 1:13 p.m. Sunday after members of Payne Chapel AME Church said they had not heard from the three residents. Brunswick police found Carson Holliman, 64, Vondell Holliman, 63, and Christopher Holliman, 24, dead in the home.
Authorities have not said how the three died, but said they were victims of a homicide and they are investigating the circumstances leading up to their deaths. Brunswick police have called the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for assistance.
“They were really a really humble family, laid-back, went to the church up the road here. Just stay to themselves and you know, really laid-back,” Robert George said.
He said he lives a few blocks from the couple and shopped at the same convenience store as Carson Holliman every day. He said Holliman led a quiet life and was friendly to his neighbors.
“A happy person. No worries, you know,” George said.
Neighbors told News4Jax they're surprised by the deaths because the victims were “nice people who seemed to have no enemies.”
“They didn't have anything in there to take except a bunch of love. That's what was in there. Worth more than anything, was a bunch of love,” relative Howard Mackenzie said. “I just want some answers, because they were loving people.”
Neighbors added that they didn't hear any gunshots or see any signs of a scuffle.
As rumors swirled, George was among those to speculate that the deaths could have been a case of mistaken identity.
“With this family here, it's just a mystery, because, like I said, they're not into anything. They are not street people,” George said.
Richard Brown Jr. said that just weeks ago, another neighbor was shot multiple times on the same street.
“My friend over here (points to a nearby home). He got shot down with his daughters in the house. He got shot 12 times,” Brown said.
Brunswick police are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals responsible. Those with information should contact silent witness at 912-267-5516.