Benjamin Watson Smith, 54, was found dead from apparent gunshot wounds at his home on Boldercrest Circle in Watkinsville, Georgia, in the early hours of December 28, 2021. His wife, Ashley Schutza, was also fatally shot; both deaths were discovered by Oconee County sheriff’s deputies just after midnight after a 911 call from one of two unharmed children who were in the house.

Authorities identified Schutza’s son, 20-year-old Peyton Moyer, as a suspect. Investigators say Moyer fled the scene in a family vehicle and was located shortly afterward in nearby Athens; a brief pursuit ended when officers used a tire deflation device to stop the vehicle. Moyer was taken into custody and charged with two counts of murder, first-degree cruelty to children, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and was being held without bail. The motive had not been released and the presence of the children during the shootings was noted as especially traumatic for the family.

If anyone in Watkinsville or Athens recalls seeing the family vehicle or has information about what led to that night, please come forward to assist the ongoing inquiry.