ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. — A man has been charged after a woman was found dead on St. Simon's Island early Saturday morning
Detectives charged Ricky Ricardo Easterling, 50, with murder, two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
Easterling was arrested and transported to the Glynn County Detention Center and remanded into the custody of the Glynn County Sheriff's Office.
Around 1 a.m., the Glynn County Police Department responded to a report of shots fired in the parking lot of the Retreat Village Shopping Plaza.
Upon arrival, officers met with the complainant, who reported the shots fired. Officers were then directed to the scene where a woman was discovered with a gunshot wound to her upper body.
Shortly thereafter, Glynn County Fire Rescue responded to the scene and attempted life-saving measures, however, the woman was pronounced dead.
During the course of the death investigation, GCPD detectives identified the victim as Dawn M. Newbauer, 52, a Glynn County resident. Her family has been notified of her death.
The Glynn County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene and assumed jurisdiction of the body.
Officials say the woman's body was taken to the GBI lab in Pooler, Georgia, where an autopsy and other forensic examinations will be conducted.
As a result of these findings and consultation with the Glynn County District Attorney's Office, this is still an ongoing investigation and anyone who may have information to further assist in this case is asked to contact Silent Witness at (912)-264-1333.