ST. MARYS, Ga. – Action News is learning new information about the double murder mystery in St. Marys. The remains of two bodies were discovered on a burning boat and police believe they were murdered. Friday we learned someone on board that boat tried to reach out for help, right in the middle of all the chaos.
Crews spent hours putting out the fire which completely swallowed the boat. Once brought to shore, police discovered two charred bodies on board. Police say David Trauger and his ex-wife, Karen Barnes battled over the boat, a 37-footer named "Premium Time."
Police released a minute and a half 9-1-1 call made from Barnes' phone. There was no person on the line speaking to the dispatch operator but police believe sounds of someone struggling to survive are loud and clear...
Barnes and her friend, Larry Ford, were staying on the boat that night. According to police
Ford was there because Barnes was scared of her ex-husband.
Now there is more evidence that points to Trauger as the prime suspect. According to the manufacturer of the boat it was custom built to include additional fire safety features. In a newly released report they stated, "If anyone would have known how to burn the boat, David Trauger would."
In the hunt for Trauger, police discovered numerous documents in his truck that suggested he was preparing for death. One document showed he recently made changes to the beneficiary of his estate.
Police had Trauger cornered near his apartment building Wednesday. They say he pointed a gun at them and fired. Police shot back killing him. Now the Georgia Bureau of Investigations is looking into the officer-involved shooting.
