Police: Athens woman shot trying to protect cousin

ATHENS, Ga. - The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said an Athens woman is dead because she tried to protect the life of her loved one.

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Officers with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department were called out to the Columbia Brookside Apartment Complex located in the 2400 block of Summerbrook Circle. Chief Scott Freeman said Police responded to the apartment on a domestic disturbance call involving a firearm.

Investigators said Officer Edward Hogan, 39, arrived at the scene to find Nicholas Head firing at 28-year-old Quintavia Wade. Wade later died of her injuries.

Police said it appeared Wade had been trying to defend her cousin, who is reportedly Head’s girlfriend.

“The suspect shot the victim and the officer witnessed this shooting and he returned fire,” said Chief Freeman. “The suspect actually shot himself in the head.”

Investigators said they are still investigating to determine if Officer Hogan's shots struck Head.

Chief Scott Freeman said they had responded earlier in the day to another location on another domestic disturbance call involving Head and his girlfriend. Head had left by the time police arrived.

The chief said Head and Wade's cousin have a one-year-old daughter together.

Wade’s family members said it was a senseless loss.

“Quintavia didn't have nothing to do with it, so why you gonna shoot her?” Heather Webster asked.

Police said no officer was injured during the incident.