Suspect accused of slaying three in Americus shoots himself

The murder suspect who authorities believe is responsible for the three deaths in Americus shot himself following a police chase, according to officials with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Darrin Kenneth Ross, 45, has been charged with the murder of 44-year-old Tonya Ross and motor vehicle theft.

Officials said they also believe that Ross murdered 36-year-old Corey Willis and 24-year-old Quanesha Lashon Brown, the other two found dead Monday morning. At this time, Darrin does not face any additional murder charges in connection to their deaths.

At approximately 9:13 a.m. this morning, Crisp County deputies spotted Tonya's 1997 Buick LeSabre in Cordele. When deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, a brief chase ensued, officials said.

Darrin eventually turned onto Third Street, where the road came to a dead end in a field. At that point, the suspect shot himself while seated in the vehicle, according to the release.

He was transported to the Macon Medical Center. GBI officials said they will not release not released Darrin's medical condition, but he did survive the self-inflicted wound.

The arrest comes hours after three bodies were discovered in Americus.

On Monday, the Americus Police Department were informed that two were found dead in a residence in the 1100 block of North Jackson Street. The individuals were later identified as Willis and Brown, according to GBI officials.

A relative of one of the deceased discovered the bodies. That person’s employer contacted the relative after the person didn't show up for work, authorities said in the release.

Later that morning at approximately 10:50 a.m., the Americus Police were called to the 100 block of Lester Street, where they discovered Ross' body, authorities said.

The Americus Police Department has requested the GBI’s assistance in both investigations.

GBI authorities declined to release the details of how Tonya, Willis and Brown were murdered.

This story was originally published April 21, 2015 at 1:11 PM with the headline "Suspect accused of slaying three in Americus shoots himself."