5 Key Facts About The James Lee Mayo And Emily Grace Mayo Tragedy In Brooklet, GA

The Brooklet, Georgia community is still grappling with the profound shock and sorrow following the tragic deaths of James Lee Mayo, 37, and his nine-year-old daughter, Emily Grace Mayo. As of today, December 11, 2025, the facts surrounding the devastating incident at Brooklet City Park remain a stark reminder of a life cut short and a community left mourning a bright, young soul. This deep dive examines the confirmed details of the investigation, the lives of those involved, and the immense outpouring of local support in the wake of the tragedy. The investigation, spearheaded by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), concluded that the incident was an apparent murder-suicide, an outcome that sent shockwaves across Bulloch County and the wider South Georgia region. The following sections provide a detailed look at the chronology of events, the profiles of James and Emily, and the lasting impact on their hometown.

Biography and Key Profiles of the Individuals

The focus of the tragedy centers on the lives of a father and his young daughter, whose promising life was tragically ended.

James Lee Mayo (Father)

• Age at Death: 37 years old.
• Location: Resided in the Brooklet, Georgia area.
• Incident Role: Identified by the GBI as the adult found in the front seat of the vehicle. His death was determined to be from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
• Circumstance: Found alongside his daughter, Emily Grace Mayo, in a car at the Brooklet City Park.

Emily Grace Mayo (Daughter)

• Born: October 20, 2015, in Statesboro, Georgia.
• Age at Death: 9 years old.
• Residence/School: Beloved student at Brooklet Elementary School.
• Personality: Described affectionately in her obituary and by the community as a vibrant, joyful child with the "Most Joyful Smile and Biggest Heart."
• Community Ties: Her passing led to an immediate and widespread outpouring of grief and community support, including a large candlelight vigil.

The Shocking Discovery at Brooklet City Park

The tragic events unfolded on the evening of May 27, 2025, at the Brooklet City Park, also known as the Brooklet Recreation Park. This popular local spot, often filled with families and children, became the epicenter of a major death investigation. The incident began when a concerned citizen contacted the Brooklet Police Department to report an unresponsive child at the park. Law enforcement officers, including the Brooklet Police and the Bulloch County Sheriff's Office, quickly responded to the scene at approximately 7:45 p.m. Upon arrival, officers located a vehicle and made entry, discovering the two individuals inside. Inside the car, officers made the heartbreaking discovery: Emily Grace Mayo, the nine-year-old girl, was found dead in the backseat from an apparent gunshot wound. Her father, 37-year-old James Lee Mayo, was found in the front seat. A handgun was reportedly recovered on his lap, which led investigators to the immediate conclusion of a murder-suicide scenario. The bodies were subsequently transported to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Crime Lab for autopsies to confirm the exact cause and manner of death. The swift involvement of the GBI underscored the severity and sensitive nature of the case, requiring state-level resources for the death investigation.

The Community's Heartbreaking Response and Memorial

The small, close-knit community of Brooklet, Georgia, was devastated by the news of the domestic tragedy. The loss of a child, especially under such horrific circumstances, prompted an immediate and profound community-wide response that demonstrated the deep ties within Bulloch County.

Candlelight Vigil and Public Mourning

A few days after the incident, on Sunday, June 1, 2025, the Brooklet community gathered for a large candlelight vigil in memory of Emily Grace Mayo. The event was a powerful display of collective grief, where friends, family, and neighbors shared stories, prayers, and tears to honor the young girl’s memory. The vigil provided a crucial space for the community to process the shock and offer support to Emily’s mother and other grieving family members. The overwhelming sentiment was one of disbelief and sorrow for the loss of a girl described as having an infectious smile and a loving nature.

Support for the Family

In the wake of the tragedy, various efforts, including a GoFundMe campaign, were established to help the surviving family with funeral and memorial expenses. The outpouring of financial and emotional support highlighted the community’s attempt to rally around those most affected by the sudden and violent loss. The funeral service details, handled by Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home, were shared widely, allowing the public to pay their final respects.

A Focus on Gun Violence Awareness

The tragic nature of the deaths, classified as a case of gun violence, also brought the incident to the attention of national awareness groups. Emily Grace Mayo’s name was added to the National Gun Violence Memorial, marking her as a victim of a devastating act of violence that occurred in a place meant for recreation and joy. This aspect of the tragedy served as a somber reminder of the broader issues surrounding domestic violence and gun access in the United States.

Investigative Conclusion and Final Determinations

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) maintained jurisdiction over the case, working closely with local law enforcement to process the crime scene, interview witnesses, and analyze forensic evidence. The thorough investigation ultimately confirmed the initial assessment of the scene.

Official Findings

The GBI confirmed that the deaths of James Lee Mayo and Emily Grace Mayo were the result of a murder-suicide. The findings indicated that James Lee Mayo was responsible for the death of his daughter before taking his own life. This conclusion was drawn from the evidence collected at the scene, including the location of the bodies, the nature of the wounds, and the recovery of the firearm. The final autopsy reports from the GBI Crime Lab provided the medical confirmation necessary to close the death investigation. The authorities stressed that no further suspects were being sought, and the case was officially closed as a domestic tragedy.

The Role of Local Agencies

The coordinated response between the Brooklet Police Department, the Bulloch County Sheriff's Office, and the GBI was critical in managing the sensitive and high-profile investigation. The local agencies provided the initial response and perimeter security, while the GBI’s specialized agents took the lead on the complex death investigation. This multi-agency effort ensured that all evidence was handled correctly and that the facts were established with precision. The case highlights the difficult and emotional work law enforcement must undertake in the face of profound personal tragedies. The memory of Emily Grace Mayo, the bright and joyful nine-year-old, continues to be cherished by her family, friends, and the entire Brooklet community. The events of May 27, 2025, remain a painful chapter in the history of the small Georgia town, serving as a lasting testament to the fragility of life and the strength of a community united in grief.