A grim scene unfolded December 6 in Powder Springs, Georgia, when 31-year-old Martin Duberry allegedly opened fire inside his family’s home — claiming later he did it because he was “tired of them and just wanted to be alone.”
Duberry reportedly called 911 himself shortly after the shooting, confessing that he had killed his mother and stepfather. When police arrived at the house on Yoshino Terrace around 12:30 p.m., they found both victims suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
The victims were identified as 72-year-old Monica Brookins and her husband, 73-year-old John Wells. Both were taken to a hospital, but despite medical efforts, they succumbed to their injuries.
Court documents show that Brookins walked into the home first after she and Wells returned from celebrating his birthday. Duberry allegedly shot her in the head as she entered — then turned the gun on Wells moments later. According to investigators, Brookins was hit as many as four or five times in the abdomen, while Wells was struck three times, including two shots to the head. Duberry later admitted he didn’t know how many times he kept pulling the trigger after the initial shots.
Friends and neighbors — many of whom described the couple as warm and generous — said the deaths have shaken the entire community. The pair had reportedly allowed Duberry to move back in with them. One neighbor told local media: “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.”
The losses resonated deeply across the neighborhood. Brookins and Wells, originally from California, had helped build a reputation of friendliness, kindness, and goodwill in their subdivision. Many recall seeing them stopping to chat, wave, and check in on neighbors. They even served on their neighborhood’s homeowners association.
Authorities say Duberry currently faces multiple charges: two counts of murder, several counts of aggravated battery involving victims over 65, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. He remains held in custody without bond as local law enforcement continues to investigate.
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