Authorities have arrested a suspect linked to the deaths of a couple found in a burned home in DeKalb County. The DeKalb County Police Department has not disclosed the suspect's identity but confirmed the arrest occurred in Mississippi, as reported by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Derris Deshaun Woods, 35, and Brittany Hall, 28, were discovered deceased earlier this month after a fire engulfed Woods' home on Cohassett Lane, an incident that left the building partially collapsed. Firefighters arrived after 1:30 a.m. to find the home fully engulfed in flames, making it difficult for them to conduct a thorough search. The fire was so large that it threatened nearby homes. After taming the flames and ensuring the structure's safety, a search was conducted, uncovering the bodies of the couple, according to statements by DeKalb fire spokesman Capt. Jaeson Daniels reported by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The Medical Examiner's Office later revealed the couple had been shot to death prior to the outbreak of the fire. Deidere Waters, mother of the deceased Woods, stated in an interview obtained by FOX 5 Atlanta, "Derris was a great person, very outgoing and helpful, funny. He would give you the shirt off his back. He was a sweet kid." Waters stated she had no prior knowledge of the suspect, saying, "I've never seen that person before in my life, and just can't even figure out why he would even associate himself with this person." Joe McDill, Woods' aunt, described him as a caring father and discussed his relationship with Hall in an interview.
Neighbor Tafari Stevenson-Howard remarked, "We were standing here watching it and it felt like we were literally at a campfire," highlighting the fire's ferocity that night, as per The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
While an arrest has been made, the investigation into the deaths and the fire is ongoing, with the motive and circumstances still unclear. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward, as both the fire and the homicides are under investigation.
