VALDOSTA – Police arrest a TN man after shooting and killing a female at a Valdosta Econo Lodge.

Release:

Arrested: Robert Melvin Loge, Caucasian male, 56 years of age, Rockford, TN resident

Victim: Jessica Lee Hilliard, Caucasian female, 41 years of age, Rockford, TN resident

On January 14, 2024, at approximately 2:00 pm., Valdosta Police Officers responded to Econo Lodge, at 3022 James Road, after employees called E911 to report a dispute between a male and a female. The caller stated that a female was on the floor and bleeding from the head while the male had left the scene.  

When officers arrived at the motel, they found the victim, later identified as Jessica Lee Hilliard, 41 years of age, unresponsive on the floor. As officers attempted to provide life saving measures, they determined that she had a gunshot wound to her head. Emergency Medical Services responded and transported Hilliard to South Georgia Medical Center, where she was later pronounced deceased.

Other officers at the motel immediately got a description of the offender, later identified as Robert Melvin Loge, 57 years of age, who had fled from the scene. While searching the area, a citizen called E911 and stated that Loge was at Days Inn, located in the 1300 block of North St. Augustine Road. Numerous officers and detectives responded to Days Inn. During a search of the motel Loge was found hiding in a maintenance utility closet. He was taken into custody without incident. Detectives recovered a firearm, along with other evidence from Loge, connecting him to the shooting.

Detectives and crime scene personnel took over the investigation. Both the victim and the offender were from the Rockford, Tennessee area.

Loge was transported to Lowndes County Jail. He has been charged with:

• Felony murder-felony;
• Aggravated assault-felony; and
• Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony-felony.

“This was a tragic domestic violence incident, which should have never escalated to the point that this young woman lost her life. I am proud of the continuous work our officers and detectives along with other law enforcement in the area to find this offender and take him into custody without incident.” Said Chief Leslie Manahan

If anyone has any information on this case, please contact the Valdosta Police Department Bureau of Investigative