x
Breaking News
More () »

Man accused of killing estranged wife shot to death by law enforcement, GBI investigating: sheriff

Authorities responded to the same home they say 35-year-old Vanessa Phillips was shot and killed Tuesday night.

COWETA COUNTY, Ga. — A man accused of killing his estranged wife was shot to death by deputies in Coweta County Wednesday night, according to the sheriff's office. 

Coweta County Sheriff's deputies responded around 9:30 p.m. to a home on Halo Trace in Sharpsburg, the same home where family said 35-year-old Vanessa Phillips was shot and killed the night before. 

Credit: Provided

Authorities issued a warrant was issued for Dustin Phillips on murder charges. 

After a multi-agency search, deputies said Dustin Phillips had returned to the home, where he pointed a gun at them. Deputies returned fire and hit Dustin, and he was pronounced dead at the scene, the sheriff's office said. 

The Coweta County's Sheriff said no deputies were injured in the shooting. In an update, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said deputies had fired at Dustin several times. The GBI said deputies gave him medical aid but he died on scene. 

The GBI said its investigation remains ongoing. 

It all stemmed from a shooting investigation from Tuesday night, where the family said Vanessa Phillips, a 35-year-old mom, was shot and killed at the home in front of their four-year-old daughter. 

The manhunt prompted the town of Sharpsburg to close Town Hall and Staley Park and Pavilion on Wednesday to ensure citizens remained safe. 

Credit: Coweta County Sheriff's Office

Anyone with information is asked to call the GBI Regional Office in Columbus at (706) 565-7888. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477) or online here.

The GBI said it will conduct its independent investigation and once complete it will be given to the Coweta Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office for review.  

News happens fast. Download our 11Alive News app for all the latest breaking updates, and sign up for our Speed Feed newsletter to get a rundown of the latest headlines across north Georgia.

Before You Leave, Check This Out