Husband Charged In Attempted Murder-Suicide

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA — A Lawrenceville man who killed his wife before turning his weapon on himself has been charged with murder and other crimes, police say.

Melissa Kelly, 45, of Lawrenceville, was shot and killed at about 5:40 a.m. Monday, according to Gwinnett County Police. Her husband, Alton Kelly, 53, was charged Tuesday with felony murder and four counts of aggravated assault.

Kelly was transported to Gwinnett Medical Center in critical condition after police say he turned the handgun on himself. Late Monday, he was listed as stable but critical.

On Tuesday, police announced that,before shooting himself, Alton Kelly went downstairs and shot into a bedroom occupied by a married couple and their son. None of the occupants of that room, who police say are family members of the Kellys, were injured.

Gwinnett County Police say they had been called to the Kellys' home on Bridge Walk Drive twice on Saturday due to domestic disputes.

Police said Tuesday that, as soon as Kelly is released from the hospital, he will be transported to Gwinnett County Jail. The timeline for that transfer is unknown, they said.

"This is a horrific crime that will have a lasting effect on many members of the Kelly family and the community," said police spokeswoman Cpl. Michele Pihera. "The Kelly family not only lost Melissa, but they also have to cope with Alton being incarcerated for these violent crimes."

Photo courtesy Gwinnett County Police Department