The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency says Shardee McGill, 32, and her 3-year-old daughter, Janae, died by drowning in what investigators have ruled a murder-suicide. Shardee’s body was recovered Sept. 25 near the Tombigbee River in Sumter County; Janae’s remains were found nearby on Sept. 26. Authorities ruled Shardee’s death a suicide and Janae’s death a homicide, with investigators identifying Shardee as the suspected perpetrator and saying no other suspects are involved. Jonathan McGill, the husband and father, was briefly detained for questioning and later released; the missing-person alert for Janae was canceled after identification.
Alabama Authorities Say Mother and 3-Year-Old Found in River — Deaths Ruled Murder-Suicide
Mississippi Bureau of Investigation/FacebookShardee McGill and her 3-year-old daughter, Janae
Alabama investigators have concluded that 32-year-old Shardee McGill and her 3-year-old daughter, Janae, who were found in water near the Tombigbee River this fall, died in a murder-suicide by drowning, authorities said.
The two were reported missing from Jackson, Mississippi, after Shardee left home with her daughter in a Chevrolet Equinox on Sept. 22, according to Jackson police. Shardee’s body was recovered in shallow water off the Tombigbee River in Sumter County on Sept. 25, and Janae’s remains were found nearby the following day, Sept. 26.
Mississippi Bureau of Investigation/FacebookShardee McGill and Janae McGill reported missing on Sept. 22
Investigation Findings
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) said both victims died from drowning. Sgt. Reginal King told reporters that Shardee’s death was ruled a suicide and Janae’s death was ruled a homicide; investigators have identified Shardee as the suspected perpetrator in the child’s death.
“Over the course of the investigation, the determination has been made that there are no additional suspects involved,” Sgt. King said, according to local coverage.
Sumter County Coroner Sonya Jemison confirmed the location where Shardee’s body was recovered. Jackson police emphasized the pair left the residence together and that there was no indication of a kidnapping or custodial abduction.
Jackson Police Department/facebookJanae McGill
Shardee’s husband and Janae’s father, Jonathan McGill, traveled to Alabama and was briefly detained for questioning; police later released him. The sheriff’s office canceled the missing-person alert for Janae after her body was identified.
Resources and Note on Sensitivity
This remains a tragic case that has deeply affected family and community. Anyone struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, or suicidal thoughts can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for 24/7 support.
Authorities have not identified any other suspects, and the investigation details were provided by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and local officials. Out of respect for the family, officials have released limited personal information.
