A fatal standoff in Marietta ended in the deaths of Michael Reno, 38, and Courtney Dobberson-Watts, 35, after an attempt by law enforcement to apprehend a suspect led to the discovery of two bodies late Saturday night inside a home on Amy Drive, as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta.
Marietta Police were called to the scene around 3:50 p.m. following a Flock camera alert of a stolen license plate Reno allegedly attempted to evade authorities by bolting into the residence, fleeing from his parked vehicle on Amy Drive but later, Marietta Police clarified that Reno was already stationed there where Dobberson-Watts was renting, according to 11Alive.
Further investigation revealed Reno was suspected of stealing over $18,000 in cash and close to $20,000 worth of firearms from his brother's house in Paulding County, authorities said, involving the scene with MPD's SWAT team and support from Cobb County Sheriff's Office deputies to negotiate Reno's surrender.
Despite hours of negotiation efforts, it culminated when a drone and an assertive entry made around 10:40 p.m. led police to derive they found Reno dead with several weapons nearby and Dobberson-Watts lifeless in close proximity an the scene which police are investigating as a murder-suicide relationship between the two was later confirmed by family members, according to what officers told FOX 5 Atlanta.
The Marietta community, located just a stone's throw from the bustling Marietta Square, remains shaken as the investigation continues, with law enforcement urging anyone with additional information to step forward. Marietta Police Department can be contacted at 770-794-5300 and tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta at 404-577-8477 for those preferring to remain anonymous.
