Kingsland police investigate motive in Jacksonville pastor's murder

Police in Kingsland, Georgia, are investigating the motive behind the slaying of a Jacksonville pastor, mother and grandmother.

The family of Ruthene Tukes, 62, said the suspect is her boyfriend, David Monroe, 39.

Police found Tukes' body inside a Kingsland Econo-Lodge near I-95 early Tuesday morning, and arrested Monroe at his home Folkston, Police said they found Monroe with Tukes' car and blood on his clothes. Police found Tukes' body with severe head injuries.

“She was scared of him," Tukes' daughter, Shameka, said as she fought back the tears. "My mom had fear of him and she was in the process of trying to detach herself from him and trying to help him.”

She said her mother had been dating Monroe since last May, after her husband of 45 years died. “Day one, I knew something wasn’t right with (Monroe),” Shameka Tukes said.

She said she had filed a restraining order against Monroe, but dropped it at the request of her mother.

Monroe is charged with murder and in the Camden County jail.

Ruthene leaves behind three children and six grandchildren.

Cox Media Group