High school coach accused of raping student was found dead in his home

A West Laurens High School wrestling coach accused of raping a student was found dead after officers arrived to arrest him Monday.

Michael Slaughter was told by Laurens County sheriff's investigators he was wanted for questioning in a probe that led to him being charged with rape and sexual assault by a person with supervisory or disciplinary authority, according to a Laurens County sheriff's news release.

The GBI launched an investigation earlier in the month which resulted in arrest warrants being signed this week.

Deputies called Slaughter and asked him to come to the sheriff's office, and he said he would, the release stated.

Minutes after the phone call, deputies arrived at his home and couldn't make contact with the star athlete who was the 2007 Telegraph All-Middle Georgia Wrestler of the Year.

They secured a search warrant and found him dead inside his home as the result of a suspected suicide.

"There was no evidence of foul play," GBI special agent in charge of the Eastman office Scott Whitley said Tuesday.

Slaughter appeared to have suffered a fatal gunshot wound but the "official cause and manner of death will be pending the autopsy," Whitley said.

His body was taken to the GBI crime lab in Atlanta.

In December of 2015, West Laurens High School announced Slaughter's hire as head wrestling coach.

"WLHS Raider Nation are proud to have a former WLHS wrestling stand out Coach Michael Slaughter to be our new head wrestling coach."

Laurens County School Superintendent Dan Brigman shared condolences on the school district's Facebook page.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Slaughter family, our athletes, students and the West Laurens High School faculty and staff."

Brigman said Slaughter had resigned to take a job at another Georgia school district.

On May 10, the sheriff's office was informed of possible sexual contact off campus between Slaughter and a female student.

The Eastman investigative office of the GBI, which was initially called once the sexual assault allegations were reported, is continuing to investigate the case.

This story was originally published May 22, 2018 at 5:14 AM with the headline "High school coach accused of raping student was found dead in his home."