A boyfriend has been arrested in connection with the Thanksgiving Day murder of a 31-year-old Brooks County woman.

Authorities have taken Frederick Raynard Gee, 29, into custody in connection with the shooting death of Julie Samuel, 31, in her home on the 900 block of West Hill Street.

No formal charges had been filed against Gee as of Thursday night, according to authorities. He was reportedly taken into custody Thursday afternoon along a Brooks County road, authorities reported.

At the scene Thursday morning, Gail Dennard, Samuel’s lifelong friend, said that Samuel and Gee had an “on and off relationship” and were known for having arguments.

Thursday morning, someone reportedly followed Samuel home. She fell down after being punched in the mouth. She was shot five times, Dennard said.

The Quitman Police Department and Georgia Bureau of Investigation were at the scene of the crime when The Times arrived Thursday morning but authorities released little information.

Prior to being taken into custody, the suspect’s truck was reportedly located in Monticello, Fla., said Quitman Police Capt. Calvin Troy.

Friends and neighbors stood nearby Thursday morning, looking at photographs of the victim and talking about what a sad, unfortunate loss Samuel’s family is suffering.

“It’s very sad to wake up on Thanksgiving with some news like this,” Dennard, said. “I am just very sad at this moment and just hope they get the guy who did it.”

Dennard has known Samuel all her life and spoke with her on the telephone at about 10 p.m. Wednesday. Samuel was comforting Dennard, she said, about the recent passing of her mother and asked if she wanted to hang out that night.

Dennard said no and decided to stay home, making that the last time they would ever talk.

Samuel has two daughters between the ages of 10 and 16, Dennard said.

The two friends were known for staying at each other’s houses on many occasions.

“We were very close,” she said. “She was like my sister.”

Dean Poling contributed to this story.