Two Eastman Men Found Dead After Shooting; GBI Investigating as Homicide and Suicide

EASTMAN, Ga. — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is examining the deaths of two Eastman men following a shooting at a residence in Dodge County.

At the request of the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, GBI agents are investigating the deaths of Jonathan Lee Groves, 48, and Rex Willis Giddens, 60.

Deputies responded Tuesday, March 10th, to a home in the 3400 block of Eastman Dublin Highway. When deputies entered the residence, they discovered Groves had been shot. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Preliminary findings indicate Groves was shot by Giddens.

Authorities later located Giddens in a wooded area near the home with what investigators believe to be a self inflicted gunshot wound. Giddens was also pronounced dead at the scene.

Both bodies will be transported to the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsies.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Once completed, the case will be submitted to the Oconee Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Eastman at 478-374-6988. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.