Former GA State Senator Nancy Schaefer, Husband Bruce, Found Shot to Death in Possible Murder-Suicide

Former Georgia state senator Nancy Schaefer (R) and husband, Bruce, found shot to death in possible murder-suicide.

Former Georgia Republican state senator Nancy Schaefer and her husband, Bruce, died in a possible murder-suicide Friday, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said. According to the Gainesville Times, the couple was found shot to death in their home in Habersham County in Turnerville. Though the GBI said preliminary investigations point to a murder-suicide, autopsies will be performed to confirm the causes of death. The GBI is reporting that Bruce Schaefer shot his wife in the back before turning the gun on himself. He died of a gunshot wound to the chest. The authorities have found several letters , including a suicide note, and a handgun.

Schaefer, 73, who is a prominent conservative,  was a vocal pro-life supporter and was a staunch opponent of same-sex marriage. She decided against challenging Rep. Paul Broun due to her husband's illness. According to the Gaineville Times, she was elected to the state Senate in 2004 and served two terms, but she made several unsuccessful bids for public office prior to that.

"The state of Georgia has lost two fine God-fearing people," said state Rep. James Mills, R-Chestnut Mountain. "We should all pray for the family." Really? I just can't understand how a God-fearing person could commit suicide. If you believe in the Bible, doesn't it speak specifically against suicide and that it means eternal damnation? Or are we so selective in our reasoning by saying some will make it into Heaven, while others will be banished to damnation? I just don't get it. Schaefer has been active in conservative Christian causes for many years and served as the president of Family Concerns, at one point.

She once hosted a daily commentary show on WNIV-AM, an Atlanta Christian radio station, according to her state Senate biography. She was a former first vice president of the Georgia Baptist Convention, a frequent speaker to churches of all denominations, a speaker to civic and political organizations and a frequent guest on radio and local and national television programs. Source: Gainesville Times

The couple is survived by their five children and 13 grandchildren. This is a sad end to a life that made so much difference in local politics.

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