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Tragedy struck the Bainbridge community on Saturday when a local couple lost their lives in a murder-suicide.

According to Bainbridge Public Safety, the incident occurred on Saturday afternoon on Stewart Avenue. Officers were dispatched to respond to a domestic, only to arrive and find the couple shot, with their two children present at the scene. The couple has been identified as Melissa and Jody Poitevint. Reporting indicates that Jody first shot Melissa, then himself. Jody was dead at the scene, while Melissa was still alive and responsive when officers arrived. She was transported to the hospital, then life-flighted to Tallahassee, where she ultimately passed away.

In an interview with WALB, Chief Redell Walton described the incident as “a tragedy in every sense,” adding, “It’s unfortunate that these kids are going to have to grow up without their parents.”

Both of the couple had previously served as educators, with Melissa working at ABA Essentials.

The incident is still under investigation. Visitation for Melissa has been announced for this Wednesday afternoon at Bryant Funeral Home, with the funeral to follow on Thursday.