It was just after 3:30 Friday afternoon when deputies were called to 8500 Block of Alabama Highway 28, in the Coatopa community. That’s where a driver spotted a woman lying in the road bleeding from a gunshot wound to the neck.

“When we arrived on scene, we found a female that had been shot in the neck. And it’s apparent that it was a domestic situation turned deadly,” said Sumter County Sheriff Brian Harris.

The victim, Natalie Thomas, stumbled out of her home crying for help after she was shot by her boyfriend. Police entered the home where they found the deceased, Tommy Thrash, from a self-inflicted gunshot. Sheriff Harris says the deadly shooting took place only hours before Thrash’s 40th birthday. Investigators say the motive is still undetermined.

“Unfortunately we haven’t got to that point yet, being that the victim is in the hospital. She’s still in the hospital recovering from her injuries. And of course, the actual shooter, he’s deceased,” said Sheriff Harris.

The Sheriff says he is unaware of any previous disputes between the couple but says domestic violence is an issue in the county and around the nation.

“Domestic violence is a terrible thing that happens across this nation, but if somebody is in a domestic situation let somebody know,” said Harris.

His hope is for his residents to reach out before it’s too late.

“We never want another situation to turn out like this situation that happened this past Friday,” said Harris.

Thomas is in stable condition and expected to recover. If you have any information to help authorities in this case, you can call the Sumter County Sheriff’s Department at (205) 652-7984.