On October 25, 2025, 37-year-old Christopher Levi Chaney and his 64-year-old father, Virgil Lester Chaney, were found shot to death at their home off Georgia Highway 121 South in the St. Johns community of Pierce County. Pierce County deputies were dispatched after a 10:02 a.m. 911 call and discovered both men deceased from gunshot wounds; court documents say both were shot in the head with a 12-gauge shotgun.

Within about an hour authorities arrested 30-year-old Avery James Courson of Blackshear at a Circle K convenience store. Courson was charged with two counts of murder, two counts of felony murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and was later indicted on those charges. Investigators allege Courson also pointed the shotgun at a woman who was at the house but did not fire at her. The Chaney family said they did not know the suspect; no motive has been released publicly.

If anyone knew Christopher, Virgil or has information about what happened that morning, please share what you can.