BLACKSHEAR — A reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest in the murder of a young Blackshear mother who was gunned down in her driveway Thursday morning, October 17.
Ricky Thornton announced this week that his family is offering the reward. Thornton is the brother of Kim Guess, 34, who was shot “multiple times” in the chilly pre-dawn hours as she walked out to her car in the 800 block of Ware Street.
According to Blackshear Police Chief Chris Wright, officers received a call to a residence in the 800 block of Ware Street at 5:30 a.m.
“She was heading out to warm up the car and she never came back inside,” recalls her mother, Shirley Turner Lee. “I have no feeling left in me. My heart is crushed. Someone took my baby — my only daughter — from me.
One of her children, an 11year-old, was home at the time of the murder.
“We hope this will encourage someone to come forward and help us find justice for Kim,” Thornton said.
Thornton said his family is working with local law enforcement to help find Guess’ killer.
Wright said investigators are currently working the case and suspects have been identified, though no arrests have been made yet.
“I assure citizens we are working very hard chasing leads and covering all angles to solve the case,” said Wright.
Guess was a cabinet maker at Clayton Homes in Waycross and was the mother of two daughters and a son.
Tips can be called in to the Blackshear Police Department at (912) 449-7011 or to 911.
“We encourage anyone who knows anything to please come forward and tell what they know, even if it is something small,” Thornton said.
“I want justice for my beautiful daughter. I miss her so much. I‘d give anything to see and talk to her one more time. I'm so empty. I'm just numb. This won’t bring her back, but we hope offering the reward will lead to an arrest. I will get justice. I won't rest until I do,” Mrs. Lee said.
