4/12/2005
Moultrie - When Betty Gaines learned her neighbors had all been murdered, shot execution style, she feared for her own life. "It was very scary and upset the neighborhood," says Gaines.
On November 8th, 2004 five people were shot and killed in their home near Moultrie. The bodies of Jaime and Tina Resendez, their three year old son Juan, Tina's mother Betty Watts and their housekeeper, Liliana Alegria Aguilar were found by the couple's three young children and 12-year old nephew.
GBI agents and investigators searched the scene for clues, and yielded few, but they aren't giving up. "This case is definitely a top priority for this office, has been from the beginning and will continue to be," says GBI Agent in Charge Ronnie Thompson.
As the case progressed, more information was revealed about the family. Jaime and Tina Resendez were arrested in November 2003 in the largest drug bust in Berrien County history. It appears their deaths, along with the other victims, were linked to the couples involvement with drugs. Thompson says, "As far as anyone being killed, I consider all of them to be innocent, as far as somebody just coming in the house and killing them. Whatever their backgrounds were, they didn't deserve what they got."
But who would commit such a heinous act? Agent Thompson, won't reveal much, but he says they now have suspects in the case. "We have identified some people that are very much of interest to us and at some point in time," says Thompson, "we're hopeful that out of these people, something will give us an arrest out of it."
For now, the suspects are still on the loose, but Thompson, and Betty Gaines, both hope they are soon Brought to justice. Betty says, "I hope they are caught and punished, because it was a terrible thing."
Investigators are still seeking information in the case. If you have any details call the GBI in Thomasville or the Colquitt County Sheriff's Department.
posted by karen.collier@walb.com
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