A fundraiser has been launched to support the three sons of a Georgia mother who police say was killed by her husband in an apparent murder-suicide.
Martha Holladay, 43, was remembered in the GoFundMe as “one of the sweetest people you could ever meet” and a devoted mom whose greatest joy was watching her boys grow up.
The fundraiser had raised more than $62,000 toward its $65,000 goal as of June 30.
“Her kindness and warmth touched countless lives, and her absence leaves a void that cannot be filled,” organizer Jennifer Cluthe wrote. “Martha was a devoted mother to three wonderful boys, who were her entire world and purpose. Her love for them was evident in everything she did.”
The tragedy unfolded late on June 7 at the family’s home in Johns Creek, Georgia.
The couple’s oldest son called 911 shortly before 11:30 p.m. to report that his parents had been involved in a domestic dispute. When officers arrived, the teen told them the argument had escalated into a shooting.
Inside the home, investigators found Martha and her husband, 52-year-old Richard Holladay, dead from gunshot wounds.
Police said Martha died from a gunshot wound to the head. Richard died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, according to investigators.
Detectives believe Richard shot and killed Martha before turning the gun on himself.
The couple’s three sons, ages 17, 13 and 12, were inside the home when the shooting happened. They were outside the house when officers arrived.
Johns Creek police said they had never previously responded to an incident at the h
In the fundraiser, Cluthe said Martha’s sons are now facing life without their mother.
“Our hearts ache for them,” she wrote. “As friends and family, we want to come together to support them in any way we can during this unimaginable time.”
According to the GoFundMe, donations will help cover the boys’ daily expenses, education and other needs as they move through the devastating days ahead.
“Let’s show Martha’s boys how much she meant to all of us and surround them with the love and support their mother so freely gave to others,” Cluthe wrote.
For those who knew Martha, the fundraiser paints a picture of a woman whose life centered on her children and whose sudden loss has left a family and community heartbroken.
