Georgia – In a horrific incident in Georgia, a 31-year-old man, identified as M. Duberry, has been formally charged with the murders of his 72-year-old mother, identified as M. Brookins, and 73-year-old stepfather, identified as J. Wells, whom he shot multiple times inside their home. The victims had just returned from celebrating a Wells’ birthday when the attack unfolded in what authorities described as a deeply disturbing act of domestic violence.
According to reports, Duberry faces two counts of felony murder, eight counts of aggravated battery, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. The aggravated battery charges are enhanced due to the victims being over 65 years old. He remains held without bond in the county jail. According to an arrest warrant, Duberry offered a chilling motive for the killings: he was “tired of them and just wanted to be alone.” Police say he confessed to shooting both victims in the head and admitted he couldn’t remember how many times he fired after the initial shots.
The shooting occurred on the afternoon of December 6 inside the couple’s home. According to reports, Brookins and Wells let Duberry live under their roof. The couple, described by neighbors as kind and deeply involved in the community, was ambushed by Duberry as soon as they returned home from the birthday celebration. Despite the brutal violence, it was Duberry himself who called 911 to report what he had done. Police responded quickly and found Duberry outside the residence, hands raised, surrendering without resistance. Inside, officers found his mother and stepfather critically wounded from multiple gunshots.
Emergency crews rushed the couple to a nearby hospital, but both were pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Brookins had been shot five times, while Wells sustained three gunshot wounds. Neighbors watched in shock as police arrived on the scene. One resident recalled seeing Duberry emerge from the home with his hands in the air while officers kept their weapons trained on him. The murders sent waves of grief through the neighborhood, where Brookins and Wells had been known as warm, friendly faces. They had moved to Georgia from California years ago and quickly became active members of the local community. Brookins served on the homeowners’ association board and both were frequently engaging in conversations with neighbors or greeting them from their yard.
“They was always super nice,” recalled longtime neighbor K. Hughes. “Always waving to you, always saying hi. … They was just good people.” She also shared that Brookins often spoke about her grandchildren and her lifelong connection to Wells, whom she had met in college. Neighbors were also aware that Duberry had been living with the couple. Many struggled to comprehend how someone could commit such a brutal act against the very people who gave him shelter. Hughes summed up the sentiment shared across the block: “Why would somebody shoot two people that when they was letting you live in their house? They just don’t have a heart, I guess.”
Police have not revealed any previous disturbances at the home or what might have specifically triggered the fatal encounter. They have described the event as an isolated domestic incident, with no ongoing threat to the public. Duberry was taken into custody at the scene and is currently being held without bond. His next court appearance has not yet been scheduled, and investigators continue to examine the events that led to the deadly shooting. The close-knit community remains in mourning. For those who knew Brookins and Wells, the loss is personal and deeply felt. Their deaths have left behind not just unanswered questions but also a profound sense of sorrow.
