Release from Beaverdale Elementary on Student Killed Last Night

Varnell, Georgia (WDEF) – Whitfield County is stunned today after a deadly murder/suicide last night in Varnell.

The sheriff reports that Christopher Eric Whitmore pulled up behind behind the vehicle of Melissa Ball at a gas station on Cleveland Highway.

They argued, then he pulled a gun and shot his son on the back seat, then her, then himself.

All three were killed.

Today, the boy’s school issued this statement on how it is affecting his fellow students.

Beaverdale Elementary suffered a loss as one of its second-grade students died during a tragic incident Thursday night.
A team of school crisis counselors was at the school early Friday morning. Counseling will remain available if students or staff members need additional support in the days to come.
“We care deeply about every child and we lost a member of our family,” said Cheri Mahan, principal at Beaverdale Elementary. “Our counselors at the school are committed to helping our students and staff work through this tragedy.”
School leaders appreciate the support pouring in from neighbors in their community and surrounding areas for the school and the student’s family.