Jackson County Sheriff Stan Evans says Billy Joe Grizzle of Benefield Road and 33-year-old Rebecca Lynn Gooch of Ednaville Road had known each other for several years.
Evans says Gooch was killed in the presence of her two children, ages two and 12. He says the 12-year-old was tied up and placed in Grizzle's vehicle after the murder but escaped when he went back inside the mobile home.
"The little girl ran through the woods to the house next door where a Jackson County Sheriff's Deputy resided and received assistance. The off duty officer called for assistance and went next door to discover the victim lying in the kitchen floor and a two- year-old child in a crib in the living room and the perpetrator gone."
Evans says the deputy took the two-year-old to his home.
The sheriff says after interviewing the 12-year-old, authorities went with her to Hall County where she directed them to the suspect's residence.
Evans says Grizzle was leaving his home on Benefield Road when officers stopped him for questioning and subsequently took him into custody.
"The incident took place at the residence of the victim...when Grizzle came to the residence and forced his way into the double wide mobile home at approximately 6:30 a.m. (Thursday)," Evans said. "The victim and Grizzle were acquaintances from years past and were apparently in an ongoing dispute of some sort."
http://accesswdun.com/article/2004/10/148589