COVINGTON, Ga. — A man is accused of shooting and killing the mother of his child and her boyfriend in front of their 15-year-old daughter in Clayton County.
Marquez Smith faces murder and aggravated assault for the shooting that happened on Peeble Way in Covington Sunday evening.
On Tuesday, the victims were identified as 33-year-old Desiree Thomas and 29-year-old Craig Joshua Thomas.
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The Newton County Sheriff’s Office said Smith and his ex-wife got into a confrontation during a custody exchange for their 15-year-old daughter.
Deputies told Channel 2 that the daughter did not want to go with her father and that led to an argument. At some point, Smith went inside the house to grab a gun.
That is when deputies say Smith shot his ex-wife and her boyfriend as they sat inside their car.
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The couple tried to drive away but crashed two houses down the road, according to the sheriff’s office. The mother died on her way to the hospital. Her boyfriend died at the scene.
Channel 2′s Audrey Washington talked to a neighbor who heard the gunshots and then screams.
“We heard a ‘pop, pop.’” Willie Shephard said.
Shephard said he ran towards the house as soon as he heard the commotion.
“The little girl was screaming, ‘My mama been shot! Help my mama!,’” Shephard said. “There was a commotion and everyone started hollering.”
The Newton County Sheriff’s Office said Smith got away from the scene and they started a search for him. Smith turned himself in hours later around midnight.
He’s been charged with murder, aggravated assault and cruelty to children. His next court appearance is set for Wednesday.
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