In the early hours of a Wednesday morning in March 2017, a Lithonia, Georgia townhome on Parkway Trail became the scene of a double homicide. Janazia Miles, 26, and her mother, Tasharina Fluker, 41, were found shot to death inside their home at about 3 a.m. A family member discovered the victims and Miles’ 8-month-old daughter was found unharmed and later placed with other relatives.

Police quickly focused on Michael Thorton, 40, identified as Fluker’s boyfriend of about a year. Family members said Fluker had recently ended the relationship and asked Thorton to move out; a sister described him as possessive. A neighbor reported hearing an argument and a car speeding away shortly before the women were found. Thorton surrendered and claimed the victims had jumped him and the gun accidentally discharged, while police allege he intentionally pulled the trigger.