Officials in Southeast Shelby County have launched a manhunt for 28-year-old Jaylan McCollins, whom they say is wanted for the horrific double homicide of his girlfriend and her father.
The incident occurred early Monday morning. According to the Shelby County Sheriff's Office, McCollins and his girlfriend, Anthonese Stewart, got into an argument and attempted to end their relationship. Reports say that he told her the 'only way you're leaving is in a body bag.'
As they argued, Stewart's father tried to protect her from the domestic violence and got shot in the process. He was identified as Gary Newman, a well-known family man and veteran. A GoFundMe was launched to help the family pay for the funeral.
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McCollins is considered "armed and dangerous," stands at 5’9” and weighing 175 pounds. The family told journalists they loved McCollins and treated him like family in the time that he dated Stewart, which makes the situation even more heartbreaking.
Stewart’s mother didn’t go on camera but issued a call for McCollins to go to the police and end the manhunt. "I would love for you son – I still call you son – I would love for you to turn yourself in," she said. "Do it for me. You claimed you loved me, love me enough to turn yourself in."
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A family member told WREG : “It’s been rough because usually you see stuff happening in other families or in movies, things like that,” Frank Gottie said. “You never wake up and think this be happening at your doorstep.”
"He told her like the only way you’re gonna leave me is in a body bag," Gottie added. "And that’s what he did and now we gotta prepare a funeral."
A cousin wrote on the GoFundMe: "Hello Everyone, I am trying to raise money for my aunt Genella Stewart Ward who tragically lost her daughter, Anthonese Stewart and my aunt’s long time partner, Gary Newman to senseless domestic gun violence."
"My cousin, Anthonese was a young person full of life and joy who should not have had her life taken from her so soon.. She was amazing, brave, and fearless. She loved her family more than anything."
"Gary was US Army Veteran who served his country with honor. With that, he was also an amazing father and uncle to all of us. He was a quiet and reserved person but was always dependable and loving."
The tragic incident unfolded in the 7600 block of Newfound Gap Road near East Shelby Drive, within the Pinnacle Point neighborhood. If you have any information about his whereabouts, you are urged to call 901-222-5600.
Anyone affected by abuse and in need of support can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233). Advocates are available 24/7 and can also be reached via live chat on thehotline.org or by texting "START" to 88788 or " LOVEIS " to 22522.
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