The Gainesville Police Department and Hall County Sheriff’s Office have connected two recent deaths in the area to each other in a murder investigation.
GPD began investigating the case when the body of Wade Hitcher, 60, of California, was found inside a room at the Haven Inn and Suites in Gainesville on Aug. 17. An autopsy later revealed Hitcher died from blunt force trauma.
On the same day, the Hall County Sheriff’s Office was investigating the death of Keith Lamount Bryant, 39, of Gainesville, after his body was found on the train tracks near Dorsey Street and Industrial Boulevard in Gainesville.
Lt. Kevin Holbrook with GPD told AccessWDUN Bryant was identified as the suspect in Hitcher’s death after authorities confirmed that the two had been staying in the room at the hotel together.
“It appears that Bryant killed Hitcher, then later deliberately walked into the path of the train,” Holbrook said. “We did quickly identify Bryant as a suspect in the case…We worked with the sheriff's office through the course of this investigation, but at this time, it appears, with both parties deceased, the case is closed.”
Authorities believe the murder occurred late at night on Aug.16. Bryant was struck by the train just after 1:30 a.m. on Aug. 17, according to information previously released by HCSO.
No motive has been named in the case. Both party’s next of kin have been notified of the deaths.
