1 man dead, another charged with murder after stabbing on Blue Jay Road in Effingham County

EFFINGHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - [Update as of Mar. 31, 2026] Two men were taken to the hospital after a stabbing in Effingham County on Mar. 18, 2026.

The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as 28-year-old Chapin Michael Mcree. Law enforcement said he died from his injuries at the hospital.

The suspect was identified as 48-year-old James Phillip Barla, he was treated for his injuries, released from the hospital and then taken to the Effingham County Jail.

Barla was charged with Felony Murder, Malice Murder, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Battery, and Possession of Firearm or Knife During the Commission of a Crime.

The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office said this is still an active case and more information will be released once it becomes available.

[ORIGINAL STORY] Two men were taken to the hospital Tuesday after Effingham County Sheriff’s Office deputies found them on the ground with stab wounds near Guyton, according to investigators.

Deputies responded to a scene on Blue Jay Road, where the roadway was shut down for several hours while crews gathered evidence. The road reopened around 1 p.m.

Effingham County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Brian Bailey said the investigation stretched across a larger area than usual because blood droplets were found across the road.

Investigators are also working to determine how a truck on the side of the road may be connected to the case — including whether either victim may have been driving it.

“So there is a truck that is on the side of the road right now. We’re still trying to pinpoint how that connects to either one of the victims or both victims. Still don’t know 100% how that truck relates to the stabbing but there is a truck here on scene.”— Brian Bailey, Effingham County Sheriff’s Office

Bailey said online reports suggesting a third person was involved, or that the stabbing happened inside the truck, are not confirmed. The sheriff’s office also used a drone to capture aerial footage and deployed K-9 units during the search.

Investigators have not said whether the two men knew each other, whether they stabbed each other, or whether someone else may be involved.

The investigation is ongoing.

[Original Story] Law enforcement in Effingham County responded to an altercation that sent two to the hospital Wednesday morning.

The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to WTOC two people were involved in an altercation and taken to the hospital with stab wounds.

Just before 8:30 a.m. Wednesday morning, deputies responded to an area in the 4400 block of Blue Jay Road for an incident.

Blue Jay Road reopened shortly after 1 p.m. Wednesday after being closed down due to the police activity.

The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office is advising drivers to use caution if traveling around this area.