A trip to her grandfather’s birthday party ended in tragedy when a little girl failed to arrive at her destination. She was found dead alongside the man who was supposed to protect and love her, leaving her family torn with grief.
On May 28, 2025, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) posted a press release on its government website about two deaths. It revealed that it was working with the Brooklet Police Department to conduct the death investigation involving individuals in Brooklet, Bulloch County.
According to preliminary information, on May 27 at approximately 7:45 p.m., officers from the Brooklet Police Department and the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call.
The caller reported an unresponsive child locked in a car at Brooklet City Park. When the police arrived, they found a child dead in the backseat with an apparent gunshot wound. A man, also dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, was found in the front seat.
Officers discovered a handgun on his lap and identified him as James Lee Mayo, 37. The child was identified as his daughter, Emily Grace Mayo, nine. The GBI revealed that their bodies would be taken to its Medical Examiner’s Office in Pooler for autopsies.
The child’s aunt, Amber Healy, has since created a GoFundMe fundraiser, initially hoping to raise $10,000. As of publication, she had gathered $29,075. Speaking about her late niece, Amber shared that the little girl had “the most joyful smile and the biggest heart.”
She loved laughing, dancing, singing, animals, being outside, playing Roblox, talking to her cousins, and spending time with her friends. Amber noted how Emily was already “sassy and dramatic” for someone so young.
The fundraiser highlighted the late child’s plans for the future: “She was excited to go into fourth grade after summer break.” Emily adored her family, with Amber sharing, “We loved her more than we could put into words. The world lost a huge light.”
The aunt concluded by asking for prayers, especially for her sister, Courtney Badgett, Emily’s mother, adding, “No parent should have to make these decisions.” In an update, she expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming support their GoFundMe campaign received.
She explained that the original post was written quickly due to the immediate demand and apologized for its lack of detail, citing the family’s intense grief. Amber clarified that news reports inaccurately referred to the family as the “Mayos” because James “didn’t deserve her.”
She stated that Emily was taken by someone who was supposed to protect her, but instead, he was “sick.” The aunt mentioned that she is currently writing her late niece’s obituary and described the surreal nature of their loss. She shared plans for a candlelight vigil at Brooklet Park and a memorial service.
Concluding her update, she thanked everyone for their love and support and requested continued prayers during this difficult time. Amber mourned her niece not only through the fundraiser but also through Facebook.
In a post filled with bittersweet photos showing Emily from childhood until recently, Amber continued expressing her grief. The aunt described her devastation over the loss of her niece, emphasizing disbelief that such a tragedy had happened to their family.
She apologized for not responding to the many people reaching out, while expressing deep appreciation for the prayers and love. Amber revealed that Emily was “taken from us” in a “most tragic way” and criticized media outlets for inaccurate reporting.
Recalling that fateful day, she said, “I was on the phone with my sister when she went to go find her baby. On the phone when [sic] she found their car.” Amber recounted being with Courtney when news of Emily’s death broke, noting that her sister had not been informed that night.
She shared the profound grief their family feels, stating, “I had to hold my 12 year old [sic] daughter all night long as she screamed and cried for her cousin. They were attached at the hip, even 100s of miles apart.”
Amber further described Emily as full of life, loving, and welcoming to all. She condemned her father, labeling him as “selfish and evil,” and noted, “He was supposed to be bringing her home to celebrate my Dad’s birthday. Then he pulled into the park instead.”
James allegedly took Emily’s life before ending his own, an act that has left the family shattered and broken. Amber clarified that they do not mourn him and stressed that his family was not responsible; he alone was.
The aunt in mourning concluded by expressing an enduring love for Emily and sorrow at her absence, stating that they are broken and uncertain about how to move forward without her.
Condolences came from Emily’s former music teacher, Tasheina Canty-White. A woman on Facebook shared Tasheina’s post, and wrote, “Lord my throat caught a knot in it… I’m a mother Iont never wanna feel this pain… yall this is sad man prayers to her mother and her little sister baby you didn’t deserve that!!! [sic]”
On her post, which included happy memories of Emily in her class, Tasheina shared her heartbreak over the loss of Emily. She said she is familiar with emotional pain but admitted, “This broke me.” The teacher and singer-songwriter remembered how Emily made her a necklace.
Though hesitant to take a picture because she was tired and her hair wasn’t done, Tasheina was glad she gave in to Emily’s joy. She emphasized the importance of acknowledging the love behind a child’s simple gift.
The music teacher recalled that the last time she saw Emily was during a karaoke performance of “Party in the USA” the previous Wednesday. She hadn’t known it would be the last time. Grateful for the experience, she described the late child as an angel who left a lasting mark on her as a teacher.
Tasheina concluded by asking for continued prayers for Emily’s family, the Brooklet community, and all her classmates and friends now grieving at the start of summer.
According to the obituary Amber wrote, Emily was born on October 20, 2015, in Statesboro. She was a student at Brooklet Elementary School, known for her vibrant spirit, warm smile, and kind heart.
Emily’s presence left a lasting impression on everyone she met, and her memory will be cherished by family, friends, and all who knew her. Described as joyful and engaging, the little girl never met a stranger and delighted in making others laugh.
She had earned numerous academic and personality awards, including the “Future Influencer” Award for her positivity and remarkable attitude. Emily often shared dance videos on her “Gamma’s Instagram account.”
Her favorite color was blue, and her favorite saying was “slay.” She was preceded in death by her great-grandfather, Ron Snelling of Pooler, and her cousins Grayson and Gabriel Mayo of Statesboro.
Emily is survived by her mother; her little sister, Addilyn Williams; grandparents Frank and Pam Badgett and Wayne and Carrie Mayo; and her great-grandmother, Joby Snelling. She is also survived by her aunts, uncles, and cousins, including Amber and Matthew Healy, and others. Emily’s beloved pets, Tank and Ozzie, were also part of her cherished life.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home & Crematory of Statesboro, and condolences can be shared through their website.
This investigation remains active and ongoing.