In the quiet community of Hortense, Georgia, a tragedy unfolded that took the life of Dr. Marsha Certain, a respected 69-year-old female cardiologist. On the evening of April 18, 2024, law enforcement responded to a distress call at a residence on Buffalo Road. The caller reported that a woman had been shot.
Upon their arrival, officers from the Wayne County Sheriff's Office and the Jesup Police Department established a perimeter around the home. They identified the individuals involved as Dr. Marsha Certain and a man named Tracey Sanna. Authorities attempted to make contact with Sanna, using a public address system to call out to him. Sanna briefly appeared at the back of the house but retreated inside upon seeing the police presence. Shortly thereafter, a single gunshot was heard from within the residence.
When officers made entry into the home, they discovered both Marsha Certain and Tracey Sanna deceased. The investigation led authorities to conclude that the incident was a murder-suicide, with Sanna identified as the suspect who had shot and killed Dr. Certain before taking his own life. No arrests were made as the sole suspect was also deceased.
The news of Dr. Certain's violent death sent shockwaves through the community where she was a prominent and beloved figure. For over three decades, she had served the residents of Brunswick and the surrounding areas, following in the footsteps of her father, who was the first cardiologist in Glynn County. She was a pioneer for women in the medical field, entering cardiology at a time when it was largely dominated by men. Colleagues and patients remembered her as a compassionate and dedicated physician who was instrumental in advancing cardiac care in the region. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she was a mother and a cherished member of her community, leaving behind a legacy of healing and service.
