WAYNE COUNTY, Ga. — A Brunswick doctor was killed Thursday night in what authorities believe to be a murder-suicide.
The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release it was called in at around 6:44 p.m. by someone outside of the county about a woman being shot at a home in Hortense on Buffalo Road.
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Hortense is near the Wayne-Glynn county line.
The caller gave the 911 dispatcher the names of the persons involved, a woman named Marsha Certain and a man named Tracey Sanna, WCSO said.
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Certain is listed on the Southeast Georgia Health System’s website as a cardiologist.
The Jesup Police Department responded to the home along with Wayne County deputies and set up a perimeter.
Officers called out to Sanna over a PA system, and he tried to leave the home out of the back door, but went back inside when he saw police, the release said.
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A gunshot was heard once Sanna went back into the home. Police went inside the house and found Certain and Sanna dead.
Southeast Georgia Health System President & CEO Scott Raynes issued the following statement about Certain, who had worked for the health care system since 1987:
“We are very saddened by the tragic loss of Dr. Marsha Certain. In addition to being a well-respected member of our medical staff since 1987, Dr. Certain helped to lead our cardiology program on the Brunswick Campus along with her brother, Dr. Mitchell Jones; her son, Dr. Matthew Certain; and Dr. Wade Strickland. In addition to championing for advanced cardiology services and technologies in Glynn County, she was instrumental in increasing access to heart care in Camden County.
“Dr. Marsha Certain served as a member of the Glynn-Brunswick Memorial Hospital Authority from 2001-2004 and held many positions on the Brunswick Campus Medical Staff during her 37 year tenure, including Chief of Medical Staff from 1996-1998, and member of the Health System’s Foundation Board 1994-1998.
“When she began her medical training, cardiology was a male-dominated field, but that didn’t deter Dr. Certain. She credited the encouragement and support she received from her father, Dr. Hurley Jones, the first cardiologist to practice in Glynn County, as the reason for her educational and professional success. Dr. Certain’s patients greatly enjoyed having a female cardiologist; she understood the importance of building a personal rapport and relationship with her patients – as well as with her colleagues, staff and fellow team members.
“Our Health System has lost a dedicated physician and employee, our community and patients have lost an outstanding health advocate, and her family and friends have lost a vibrant, loving member of their lives. Dr. Certain will be greatly missed and we extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, patients and coworkers during this incredibly difficult time.”
Action News Jax knocked on nearby neighbors’ doors to ask about the incident, but no one answered.
Anyone with any information in this case is asked to contact Detective Crane with WCSO at 912-427-5970. To report criminal activity and remain anonymous, call 912-427-5992.
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