JACKSON, Ga. — A Monroe County woman was found dead and her nephew is the prime suspect in her death. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office found 42-year-old Tryeflue Lerra O'Neal was found dead outside her home Sunday evening.
The sheriff's office said they were performing a welfare check at O'Neal's home after receiving a tip from the Newton County Sheriff's Office in Georgia. The department received a tip from the Chester County Sheriff's Office in South Carolina.
"Maybe I haven't heard from that person in a day or two, maybe they don't want to be heard from, but in a case like this, we were pretty sure foul play was involved," said Monroe County Sheriff Brad Freeman.
Freeman did not reveal how they knew there was foul play. He did said they already have a suspect in O'Neal's death, her 15-year-old nephew, who was found by the Chester County Sheriff's Office in South Carolina.
"He is currently still being housed in South Carolina. We have not yet extradited him back to the state of Georgia. Also, we located her car which was stolen and her car is still located in South Carolina," Freeman said.
Franklin Scott is O'Neal's neighbor, and said he was shocked to hear someone had died. Violence is not normal on their quiet street.
"She's a very nice, caring, giving lady. Sad to see that she's gone," Scott said.
O'Neal was famous on her street for the German shepherds she bred. Scott received one for free named Kai.
"She had dogs and they were beautiful dogs and she bred them. I got one from her and I can't see why anybody would hurt her," Scott said.
Scott said the last time he spoke to O'Neal was about a month ago. He said O'Neal told him that she didn't like living on her own in the house deep in the woods.
"She told me that she was by herself and scared and alone, and I said, 'I understand. If you ever need anything, call me,' and gave her my number and, unfortunately, she didn't call me," Scott said.
Other neighbors said they heard gunshots on the street Sunday night, but because of wildlife and other things, it didn't seem out of the norm.
The sheriff's office said an autopsy will be performed in the next couple days. They have not released the suspect's name.