Man Found Dead After Standoff as GBI Investigates Jasper Woman’s Homicide

JASPER, Ga. — A woman found dead inside her Pickens County home last week died from a gunshot wound, according to preliminary autopsy results released by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Authorities later discovered a man dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after executing a search warrant connected to the case.

The investigation began around 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30, when a 911 caller reported finding 53-year-old Reina Cedeno deceased inside her residence on Hobson Road in Jasper. Deputies with the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office responded to the home and requested assistance from the GBI.

Cedeno’s body was transported to the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy. Investigators said preliminary findings indicate she died from a gunshot wound.

As the investigation progressed, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for a nearby residence on Hobson Road. At approximately 7:45 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, members of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team, GBI agents, and Pickens County deputies surrounded the home.

Authorities said they spent nearly two hours attempting to contact and negotiate with the home’s resident, 48-year-old Mark Little. Before entering the residence, investigators used video technology to obtain views inside the home, where they observed what appeared to be Little’s body.

SWAT officers subsequently entered the residence and found Little deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His body will also undergo an autopsy at the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office.

The GBI said the investigation remains active and ongoing. Investigators do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the public.