In the winter of 2026, the life of 28-year-old Emily Dianne Evans was tragically cut short in Canton, Georgia. On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, Emily was found deceased from a gunshot wound in a wooded area off Lower Burris Road. Her death was the result of a murder-suicide perpetrated by her father, 57-year-old Curtis Evans, who was also found dead at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The grim discovery was made after Curtis Evans sent a text message containing his location to a family member. The relative went to the specified area deep in the woods and found the bodies of both his brother-in-law and his niece. Law enforcement and emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene, where they confirmed the deaths.
Investigators from the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office have stated that they believe Curtis Evans shot and killed his daughter before turning the gun on himself. While the investigation into the motive behind the murder-suicide is ongoing, no further details have been released to the public. As the sole suspect in Emily's death is deceased, there will be no arrests or subsequent trial.
Memorial services for Emily Dianne Evans were scheduled to be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the Chapel of South Canton Funeral Home. The family requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Cancer Society in her memory.
