Georgia Man Accused of Executing His Mother and Stepfather After Moving Back Into Their Home, Telling Police He “Just Wanted to Be Alone”
POWDER SPRINGS, GEORGIA — A 31-year-old Georgia man is facing multiple murder and assault charges after police say he executed his mother and stepfather inside their Cobb County home, later telling investigators he was “tired of them” and wanted to live alone.
The victims, 72-year-old Monica Brookins and 73-year-old John Wells, had recently allowed the suspect to move back in with them, according to neighbors.
Suspect Called 911 After Allegedly Shooting Both Parents Multiple Times
Police say Martin Duberry called 911 himself on Dec. 6 to report the shootings. Officers responded to the home and found both Brookins and Wells suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. They were transported to a nearby hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
The arrest warrant states that Duberry shot both victims in the head and continued firing several additional rounds.
Investigators say Duberry admitted he “just wanted to be alone” and was “tired of them,” offering no other explanation for the attack.
Authorities believe the couple had only recently taken him in, hoping to help him get back on his feet.
Couple Had Just Returned From Birthday Celebration Before Being Killed
According to investigators, the victims had been out earlier celebrating Wells’ birthday. When they returned home, Duberry allegedly opened fire.
Brookins was shot five times, and Wells was shot three times, according to police.
A neighbor reported seeing officers arrive with weapons drawn as Duberry walked outside with his hands raised.
“I just looked out my window and saw a man coming out with his hands up,” a neighbor said. “Officers had their guns drawn.”
Neighbors Describe Victims as Loving, Welcoming People
Residents of the Powder Springs neighborhood were shaken by the news. Friends and neighbors described Brookins and Wells as kind and generous — the sort of people who never hesitated to help others.
“They was always super nice,” neighbor Kay Hughes said. “Always waving, always saying hi. They was just good people.”
Hughes and others expressed disbelief that someone they welcomed into their home would turn on them so violently.
“Why would somebody shoot two people that was letting you live in their house?” Hughes said. “They just don’t have a heart, I guess.”
Suspect Faces Multiple Felony Charges
Duberry has been charged with:
- Two counts of felony murder
- Eight counts of aggravated battery
- Possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime
Police described the killings as an isolated domestic incident, emphasizing that the community was not at ongoing risk.
Duberry remains in custody as the investigation continues.
As the community grieves the loss of two well-known neighbors, authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to the attack. For further updates on major criminal cases and public safety news from across the U.S., visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.