A domestic dispute at a Grovetown home turned deadly Wednesday evening when, according to authorities, a man shot his estranged wife and later killed himself during a brief pursuit, leaving the couple’s three children without parents. Deputies say the gunfire erupted around 5:08 p.m., and nearby residents and business employees rushed in to help before first responders arrived. The husband then sped away in his truck, with deputies in pursuit, and investigators say he ultimately died from a self-inflicted gunshot behind the wheel. Columbia County’s Criminal Investigations Division has taken over the case while child welfare workers and the coroner’s office respond.
Officials Detail Shooting, Chase And Suicide
Columbia County deputies say they were called to a home on Oxbow Drive, where they found 36-year-old Myneika Scott suffering from gunshot wounds. She was taken to Doctors Hospital and later pronounced dead, according to the Tampa Free Press. Investigators identified 37-year-old Titus Scott as the suspected shooter and say he fled the scene in a pickup truck that was later spotted near Columbia Road and Hereford Farm Road. As deputies prepared spike strips near Blanchard Road, officials say Scott stopped his vehicle before reaching them and fatally shot himself inside the truck.
Paper Trail Of Domestic Trouble
Incident reports and court filings outline a series of domestic complaints involving the couple, including a March 25 call to the 500 block of Oxbow Drive and a divorce decree finalized earlier this year, according to WRDW. Records cite multiple prior calls for service, an alleged unauthorized entry into the home the week before the shooting, and earlier public confrontations that escalated into threats during a youth softball game. Deputies also document a welfare check last fall that resulted in a mental health evaluation for Titus Scott.
Barbershop Crew Rushed To Save Mom, Comfort Kids
A barber from nearby Big City Cuts told reporters he and co-workers sprinted outside to try to keep Myneika alive and to care for her children until medics arrived. "Mal was out, he was quick, he reacted fast, he took off his shirt and quickly started applying pressure to her wound, making sure that she wasn’t losing a lot of blood," Alejandro Morales said, recalling the desperate rescue attempt, as reported by WRDW. Staff from the shop later left flowers at the scene and gathered for a short prayer for the family.
Case Remains Open As Autopsies Ordered
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division is leading the investigation, and the coroner has requested autopsies for both adults. The Department of Family and Children Services has been called in to assist the three children, local coverage indicates. AugustaCrime reports that investigators say the sequence of events appears clear, but the case will remain open until autopsy results are complete. Authorities are asking anyone with additional information to contact the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.
Where To Get Help
Advocates are urging community members to look out for warning signs of abuse and to encourage anyone in an unsafe relationship to seek help. SafeHomes of Augusta operates a 24/7 crisis line at 706-736-2499 and offers resources on its website at SafeHomes of Augusta. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) and online at The Hotline. Anyone in immediate danger should call 911.
