Tragedy in Lake Wildwood: A Family Lost in Bibb County
MACON, Ga. — A quiet Tuesday morning in the Lake Wildwood neighborhood of Bibb County was shattered by gunfire, leaving a family devastated and a community searching for answers. Authorities confirmed that two women were killed in what investigators describe as a domestic violence incident that ended in a deadly standoff and the suspect’s own death.
According to Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones, 49-year-old Brande Summers and her 21-year-old daughter, Haliegh Summers, were shot and killed inside their home. The suspected shooter, identified as 51-year-old Ray Summers, later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at a Macon hospital around 4:40 p.m. Their family has been notified.
The incident unfolded in the 1100 block of Greentree Parkway within the Lake Wildwood gated community. At approximately 10:15 a.m., a deputy with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the residence to serve an eviction notice. As the deputy approached the home, gunshots rang out.
Chace Ambrose, speaking on behalf of the sheriff’s office, said the deputy immediately retreated and called for backup. A tense standoff followed, lasting roughly two hours. Negotiations reportedly began around 10:30 a.m., as law enforcement worked to assess the situation and attempt contact with those inside.
When deputies ultimately entered the home around noon, they made a devastating discovery. Brande and Haliegh Summers were found deceased. Ray Summers was located inside suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was transported by ambulance to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Coroner Jones also confirmed that the suspect had shot and killed the family’s dog and cat during the incident, adding another layer of heartbreak to an already tragic scene.
Authorities noted that Ray Summers had been fired from his job the previous Friday, though investigators have not yet detailed how that development may have factored into the events that unfolded. The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
Neighbors in the Lake Wildwood community described the area as typically peaceful, making the morning’s events all the more shocking. The gated neighborhood, known for its quiet streets and close-knit atmosphere, was suddenly filled with flashing lights, emergency vehicles, and the heavy presence of law enforcement during the prolonged standoff.
As the investigation continues, friends and extended family members are left grappling with immense grief. Brande Summers, 49, and Haliegh Summers, 21, are being remembered as beloved members of their family. The sudden and violent loss of two generations in a single incident has left a profound void that will not easily be filled.
Domestic violence tragedies like this underscore the urgent need for awareness, intervention, and accessible resources for those experiencing crisis. Community leaders and advocates often remind individuals facing domestic turmoil that help is available through local shelters, counseling services, and national support lines.
For now, the focus remains on mourning the lives lost and supporting loved ones through an unthinkable loss. In the aftermath of the two-hour standoff and the heartbreaking discovery inside the home, Macon and the broader Bibb County community stand united in sorrow.
As investigators work to piece together the full story behind Tuesday’s events, the names Brande Summers and Haliegh Summers will be remembered not for the violence that ended their lives, but for the lives they lived and the love they shared with those around them.
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