Murder charges have been filed against 59-year-old Richard Manley Ouzts in the Sunday morning slaying of an elderly relative on Rheney Road in Hephzibah, authorities say.
Ouzts is accused of killing 75-year-old Bobby Shue. Ouzts is also accused of attempting to murder his own wife, 60-year-old Deborah Ouzts. The suspect and victims all lived together on the 4200 block of Rheney Road.
Sgt. Monica Belser said investigators believe the victim was shot and stabbed, but the actual cause of death is pending autopsy.
At 4:43 a.m. Sunday, deputies responded to the 4200 block of Rheney Road in Hephzibah in reference to a distress call. They found the body of a white male in his 70s. Officers also observed a female brutally assaulted.
Richard Ouzts is also being charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and false imprisonment.
The sheriff’s office is declining to release a possible motive, leaving the community guessing again about the cause of homicides in Richmond County.
