GBI arrests Georgia man in 2002 triple homicide, including pregnant woman

TURNER COUNTY, Ga. — It took nearly 20 years, but authorities say they’ve solved a triple murder that’s haunted Georgia town.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Wednesday they arrested 47-year-old Michael Walker, of Pulaski County, in the murder of Thomas Wideman, Deborah Wideman and Melissa Wideman.

Walker is also charged with Feticide for causing the death of Melissa Wideman’s unborn child, determined to be Walker’s biological child.

In 2002, Thomas Wideman, 51, Deborah Wideman, 48, and Melissa Wideman, 20, were found dead in a house fire in the city of Rebecca in Turner County.

Melissa Wideman was 8-and-a-half months pregnant at the time.

An autopsy report showed the three had been shot and died prior to the fire.

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During the initial investigation, authorities developed possible suspects in the murders; however, no one was charged at that time.

In 2014, the case was reassigned. The new GBI case agent and a Turner County investigator reviewed the original evidence and reinter viewed numerous witnesses. While the case was actively being investigated, a new witness contacted law enforcement.

The witness said they saw a man leaving the scene of the Wideman residence during the time frame in which the murders took place.

The new information corroborated the evidence obtained during the initial investigation and the follow-up investigation conducted by the GBI and Turner County Sheriff’s Office.

The new information was presented to Tifton Judicial Circuit District Attorney Paul Bowden. Upon review of the case, Bowden determined the case should be presented to a Turner County Grand Jury.

The grand jury returned the indictment, charging Walker.

Walker was booked into the Turner County Jail.

This case has been turned over to the Tifton Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

Anyone with information related to the charges against Walker are encouraged to contact the GBI Region 13 Office at 478-987-4545, the Turner County Sheriff’s Office at 229-567-2401, or the Tifton Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office at 229-386-7900. Tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS(8477), online HERE.

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