A Ringgold man was indicted for murder Wednesday, Oct. 17, three months after he was accused of beating his girlfriend to death in the couple's home.

Terry Wayne Saxton, 50, has been held in Catoosa County jail without bond since Monday, July 9, after authorities charged him with the murder of 55-year-old Vicki LaCombe.

On Wednesday, a Catoosa County Superior Court grand jury indicted Saxton on charges of malice murder, felony murder, and aggravated assault.

LaCombe died from blows to the head and torso areas.

On July 9 Catoosa County sheriff's deputies were dispatched to the couple's residence in the Knollwood Village Apartments about 11:46 a.m. in regards to what they initially thought was a suicide.

Upon arrival, deputies were told by Saxton that he had left the residence the day before about 11 a.m. and returned nearly 25 hours later to find LaCombe unresponsive in the living room.

“Mr. Saxton stated that he entered the residence and found Ms. LaCombe deceased, and lying on the living room floor,” deputy F.B. Lamountain wrote in the initial incident report.

After additional deputies and emergency personnel arrived on scene, further inspection of the residence indicated that more had taken place than originally thought.

“When entering the residence, I observed several suitcases and packed bags sitting beside the door, with an overturned end table next to the victim,” Lamountain said. “In the kitchen, I observed several broken plates in the sink, a broken picture frame, and shattered glass about the floor with the residence appearing as though a physical altercation had taken place.”