Sheriff: Deaths of well-known Effingham Couple deemed a murder-suicide

EFFINGHAM, Ga. (WTOC) - Monday, the names of two people who were found dead in an Effingham County home on Friday, have been released, and it’s been a shock to the community.

The couple were well known business owners in the catering and event service industry.

Investigators called it a murder-suicide.

The sheriff’s office identified Chef Nick and Tracy Mueller.

Deputies say they were found dead at their home, the same address used in their businesses.

Originally, deputies went there for a welfare check after an event was supposed to be held there on Saturday, when they showed up, they say the couple was dead.

Kessler Road, a joyful place to go for many in the Coastal Empire.

Editor’s note: The property is under new ownership and that the business referenced no longer exists as of April 2026.

This address serves as Mahgniffe Catering LLC, the Mulberry Hall venue, The Sugar House Bed and Breakfast and The Laughing Boar restaurant.

All run by Nick and Tracy Mueller.

The couple began their venture in baking and catering on Wilmington Island more than 20 years ago.

They expanded and founded the catering company, Mahgniffe LLC, then as the business grew- they created Mulberry Hall, a well known venue for weddings and special events in Guyton.

After that, the Sugar House Bed and Breakfast was created, then the Laughing Boar Restaurant along with it-which was seasonal restaurant for locals, by reservation only.

A portion of the proceeds from that restaurant were donated to the International Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Now, a makeshift memorial is set up outside.

Christmas decorations still hanging, in anticipation of a full holiday season of business for the Mueller’s.

But now tragedy fills the air at the empty venue site, the same place the Mueller’s were found Friday.

Tracy’s sister giving content to the death, posted about the tragedy on social media saying quote, “It’s a sin and a shame that their lives ended in such a horrific and selfish way…Tracy was an Angel on this earth.”

Chef Nick was well known around the community, catering many events across our area, and was well-known for his cuisine.

Sentiments on social media echo that the lovely couple that people knew, died too soon.

Deputies have not released which spouse killed the other, and we are still waiting for details about this venue, and any seasonal plans that locals had already booked here.

Warning Signs of Suicide

▪ Talking about wanting to die

▪ Looking for a way to kill oneself

▪ Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose

▪ Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain

▪ Talking about being a burden to others

▪ Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs

▪ Acting anxious, agitated, or recklessly

▪ Sleeping too little or too much

▪ Withdrawing or feeling isolated

▪ Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

▪ Displaying extreme mood swings

What to Do

▪ Do not leave the person alone

▪ Remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs, or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt

▪ Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

▪ Take the person to an emergency room, or seek help from a medical or mental health professional

Who Can Help

▪ 988 – The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

o Using 988 is free and confidential. The Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a trained listener, call 988. You can call or text 988 or visit www.988lifeline.org to chat with a counselor.

▪ The Veterans Crisis Line and Military Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, Press 1

o The Veterans Crisis Line and Military Crisis Line connect veterans and service members in

crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.

▪ Crisis Text Line: 741-741

o This free text-message service provides 24/7 support to those in crisis. Text 741-741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor right away.