GBI Investigates Suicide in McRae-Helena

McRae-Helena, GA (September 14, 2020) – On Sunday, September 13, 2020, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Eastman Office was requested by Georgia State Patrol and Telfair County Sheriff’s Office to investigate the death of Keith Wendell Wilcox, 43, of McRae-Helena. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that a BOLO was issued for a suspect in a shooting investigation in Fitzgerald, Ben Hill County, that occurred at approximately 6:45 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2020. Telfair County deputies observed the vehicle from the BOLO on Highway 441 near the Workmore community. A deputy attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle and a chase ensued. McRae-Helena Police Department and Georgia State Patrol were also involved in the chase. During the chase, two minor children that were in the vehicle were dropped off at a family member’s residence in McRae-Helena. The chase continued onto Highway 341 South. At approximately 7:13 p.m., a Georgia State Patrol trooper ended the chase by conducting a PIT maneuver near Highway 341, just outside of McRae-Helena city limits. After the PIT maneuver, Keith Wendell Wilcox exited the vehicle with a handgun and shot himself. Wilcox died of his injuries at the scene. Wilcox will be transported to the GBI Crime Lab for autopsy.

This is an active investigation. Anyone with information should contact the GBI at 478-374-6988.