GBI Investigating Fatal Shooting of Jasper Woman; Neighbor Found Dead During Search Warrant

JASPER, Ga. — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is conducting two death investigations after a woman was found fatally shot in her Jasper home and a neighboring resident was later discovered dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

According to the GBI, the investigation began at the request of the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office after deputies responded around 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30, to a home at 709 Hobson Road.

A 911 caller reported discovering a deceased woman inside the residence.

Deputies identified the victim as 53-year-old Reina Cedeno of Jasper.

Cedeno’s body was transported to the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office, where a preliminary autopsy determined she died from a gunshot wound.

As investigators continued their homicide investigation, authorities executed a search warrant Thursday, July 2, at approximately 7:45 p.m. at the neighboring residence located at 707 Hobson Road.

Members of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team, GBI agents, and Pickens County Sheriff’s Office deputies established a perimeter and attempted to negotiate with the home’s resident, 48-year-old Mark Little, for approximately two hours.

Before entering the residence, investigators used video technology to view the home’s interior and observed what appeared to be Little’s body inside.

SWAT officers then entered the home and found Little dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

At the request of the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, the GBI is also investigating Little’s death.

His body has been transported to the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.

Investigators said both cases remain active and ongoing. At this time, the GBI and the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office believe there is no ongoing threat to the public.