TIGNALL, Ga. — The small town of Tignall, Georgia -- a population of less than 500 -- is grappling with shock and grief after a violent and gruesome attack killed three and left one woman injured.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced the arrest of 56-year-old Shannon Box on Friday morning in connection with the brutal stabbings, bringing an end to a tense manhunt that had the community on edge.
The victims were identified as Shauncey Box, 55, of Winterville; Brenda Lipscomb, 67, of Tignall; and Michael Schmidt, 55, of metro Atlanta.
Schmidt had traveled to help Shauncey Box, a lifelong friend who was quadriplegic, with household repairs, according to Schmidt’s daughter.
The GBI said Wilkes County deputies were called to the 900 block of Mallorysville Road on Thursday morning, responding to reports of an injured woman. Investigators said the woman, whose name has not been released, had been attacked at another home nearby. When deputies went to that second location, they discovered the victims, all fatally stabbed.
The injured woman was taken to a nearby hospital, and her condition has not been released.
Shannon Box was taken into custody without incident Friday morning after deputies found him at a church on Jones Chapel Road. He faces multiple charges, including three counts of murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a knife during the commission of a crime.
The shocking nature of the crime has left many in Tignall shaken.
Michael Schmidt’s daughter, Amy Ohmer, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of her father, describing him as a kind and creative soul who left a legacy through his art.
“My dad’s untimely departure was unjust, but his vibrant spirit lives on through his colors and creativity,” Ohmer said. “I’ll cherish his art, filling my home with its radiant colors as a testament to his boundless legacy.”
Ohmer said the families involved have long-standing ties, and she believes the suspect may have been in a state of mental crisis during the attack. It's unclear the relations the victims had with Shannon Box.
Some may recognize Shannon Box after his picture was posted by the Rabun County Sheriff's Office in October and listed as a missing person. On Oct. 29, the agency posted that his last location is believed to be in the area of Jane Hurt Yarn Drive in Tallulah Falls. Three days later, the sheriff's office updated the post, stating he had been found and was in good health.
The GBI is assisting local authorities with the triple homicide case. Shannon Box is being held at the Wilkes County Jail.
This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Thomson at 706-595-2575, or the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office at 706-678-2224. You can also remain anonymous and submit a tip by calling 1-800-597-8477.
