Douglasville, GA Murder-Suicide: The Parties Identified in Domestic-Related Friday Double Fatal Shooting at the Chapel Hill Village Shopping Center on Chapel Hill Road

Douglasville, Georgia – A tragic incident unfolded on Friday, March 7, 2025, in the Chapel Hill Village shopping center, located on Chapel Hill Road in Douglasville, when a domestic dispute turned deadly, claiming the lives of two individuals. The victims have been identified as Jason Mitchell Thompson, 42, and Hannah Mae Jenkins, 38. The shooting has been classified as a murder-suicide, with law enforcement officials confirming that Thompson is the suspected shooter. The small, suburban community of Douglasville, which has witnessed increasing crime and instability over the years, was once again shaken by a senseless act of violence that struck at the heart of this close-knit area.

Background and Overview

Douglasville, a city located about 20 miles west of Atlanta, Georgia, has long been known for its suburban charm, rich history, and strong sense of community. However, over the past decade, the area has witnessed an uptick in crime, economic struggles, and social unrest. This decline has been especially felt in neighborhoods such as Chapel Hill, where rising rates of domestic violence and other violent crimes have been prominent. The tragic event that transpired on Friday only adds to the growing list of troubling incidents that have plagued the city in recent years.

The Chapel Hill Village shopping center, typically a bustling area where locals gather for shopping, dining, and socializing, became the site of an unimaginable horror when gunfire rang out in the early afternoon. The incident, which initially caused shock and confusion, was later revealed to be the result of a domestic-related dispute between Thompson and Jenkins.

The Victims: Jason Mitchell Thompson and Hannah Mae Jenkins

Jason Mitchell Thompson and Hannah Mae Jenkins were residents of Douglasville, having lived in the area for several years. While details about their relationship remain somewhat unclear, the circumstances surrounding their deaths suggest a deeply troubled history. Investigators are working to uncover the full extent of their relationship and the events leading up to the shooting.

Jason Mitchell Thompson was a 42-year-old man, described by those who knew him as a quiet, introverted individual who had a tendency to keep to himself. Thompson had lived in Douglasville for the majority of his adult life, working in various local construction jobs. Those who worked with him reported that he was sometimes seen as distant, but generally kept up a cordial rapport with his colleagues. There had been few signs of trouble leading up to the incident, but a deeper investigation may reveal past patterns of aggression or conflict in Thompson’s personal life that could have foreshadowed the violence.

Hannah Mae Jenkins, 38, was a mother of two who had been in a relationship with Thompson for several years. While she was known in the community as a kind and caring individual, friends and family now say that her relationship with Thompson had been marred by occasional tension and conflict. Jenkins worked as a nurse at a local hospital, where she was well-liked by both her coworkers and patients. Her colleagues remember her as someone who was always ready to lend a helping hand, known for her compassion and dedication to her work. Those close to her describe her as a strong woman, yet those who knew her best also said that she had been struggling with the complexities of her relationship with Thompson in the weeks leading up to the tragedy.

The police investigation is focusing on the circumstances surrounding their relationship, including whether domestic violence played a role in the escalation of the events leading up to the shooting. Authorities are also working to identify any potential warning signs or prior incidents of abuse that might have signaled the impending tragedy.

The Shooting Incident: Timeline of Events

The incident unfolded around 1:30 PM on Friday, March 7, when law enforcement received reports of gunfire near the Chapel Hill Village shopping center. Witnesses described hearing at least two gunshots, followed by the sound of a car speeding away from the scene. Several patrons and employees at nearby businesses rushed to the scene to discover the bodies of Thompson and Jenkins lying in the parking lot. Both were pronounced dead at the scene by responding emergency medical personnel.

Initial reports suggested that Thompson shot Jenkins before turning the weapon on himself. Local authorities confirmed that Thompson was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, while Jenkins was pronounced dead from multiple gunshot wounds. The shooting took place in broad daylight, and while it was a shock to the community, there was a sense that the event may have been driven by underlying personal issues that had been festering for some time.

One of the most chilling aspects of the incident is that the shooting occurred during the afternoon, when the shopping center was populated with people, though fortunately no one else was harmed. However, witnesses recalled hearing Jenkins scream for help just moments before the shots were fired. Several bystanders, some of whom knew Jenkins, described the scene as chaotic, with people scrambling to take cover while others called 911 for help. Despite the valiant efforts of local law enforcement and first responders, there was little they could do to save either victim.

Motive and Investigation

While it is clear that the shooting was a result of a domestic dispute, authorities have yet to confirm the precise motive behind the attack. According to early reports, Thompson and Jenkins had been in a tumultuous relationship, though it remains unclear whether the shooting was the culmination of months or years of escalating tensions. Investigators are focusing on any potential history of domestic abuse, harassment, or threats made by Thompson toward Jenkins in the weeks or months leading up to the tragic incident.

Detectives are also looking into the possibility that the shooting may have been sparked by jealousy, financial stress, or other personal issues. Preliminary evidence suggests that Thompson may have been dealing with significant emotional or mental health challenges, though this remains under investigation. There have been reports that Thompson had shown signs of emotional instability and erratic behavior in recent months, but whether this was a contributing factor to the shooting is still unclear.

Another key element of the investigation is the fact that Jenkins had two children, both of whom were not present at the time of the shooting. Family members have expressed deep concern for the well-being of the children, who are now left without their mother. Social services have been contacted to ensure that the children are placed in a safe and supportive environment, and extended family members are being considered as potential guardians.

Law Enforcement’s Response

Douglasville’s law enforcement community, including the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and local police, responded quickly to the scene, securing the area and beginning their investigation. Chief of Police Catherine Walker addressed the media later that afternoon, confirming that the incident appeared to be the result of domestic violence. She emphasized the department’s commitment to fully investigating the shooting and ensuring justice for the victims.

Walker also reminded the public of the importance of identifying and reporting warning signs of domestic abuse, including threats, physical violence, and emotional manipulation. The police chief called on the community to support those in need and to take an active role in preventing such tragedies in the future. “Domestic violence is a silent killer, and we must all work together to recognize and address it before it escalates to this level,” she said in a statement.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, local organizations such as the Douglas County Domestic Violence Task Force and the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence have reached out to offer support for the victims’ families, as well as for those in the community affected by the shooting. These organizations are committed to providing resources, counseling, and legal assistance to those dealing with domestic violence and its aftermath.

Community Reaction

The shooting has sent shockwaves through the Douglasville community, particularly in the Chapel Hill area, which is still reeling from the event. Many local residents expressed their disbelief and sorrow upon learning about the incident, as it is rare for such violence to occur in this suburban community. Local businesses in the shopping center have reported an uptick in calls from concerned customers, and some have even closed temporarily to allow employees to process the tragedy.

“It’s just heartbreaking,” said Maria Gonzalez, a local resident who often shops at the Chapel Hill Village shopping center. “This place used to feel safe. We’re all just in shock over what happened.” Many others in the community expressed similar sentiments, and several vigils have been planned to honor the lives of Jason Thompson and Hannah Jenkins.

The tragedy has also sparked a broader conversation about the increasing prevalence of domestic violence in suburban areas like Douglasville. Local activists have called for more awareness and better resources to support victims of domestic abuse, including hotlines, shelters, and counseling services. There is also growing concern about the lack of early intervention in cases of domestic violence, which can sometimes go unnoticed until it is too late.

Broader Implications and Looking Forward

The tragic deaths of Jason Mitchell Thompson and Hannah Mae Jenkins have left a permanent scar on the Douglasville community. The impact of the shooting will be felt for years to come, especially by the family members, friends, and loved ones who now must cope with the aftermath of this senseless violence.

As authorities continue their investigation, the hope is that the community will come together to support the victims’ families and take proactive steps to address the underlying issues that led to this horrific incident. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the need for greater awareness, education, and intervention in order to prevent future tragedies.

In memory of the victims, a memorial fund has been established to support the surviving children of Hannah Jenkins. The fund will assist with their education, healthcare, and other needs, providing them with a better chance for a stable and promising future despite the loss of their mother.

The community of Douglasville, shaken to its core by this brutal murder-suicide, now faces the difficult task of healing. The death of two of its own has left an indelible mark, but it also presents an opportunity for change and growth in the fight against domestic violence. As the investigation continues, the hope remains that the memory of Jason Mitchell Thompson and Hannah Mae Jenkins will inspire positive change in the lives of others affected by domestic abuse.