Leona Smith, 74, was found dead at her home on Robinson Road in Barney, Georgia, in the early morning of April 11, 2025. The Brooks County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call at about 5:45 a.m. and found Smith had sustained a fatal gunshot wound; the shooting was immediately investigated as a homicide and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was called in to assist.

Within days investigators identified and arrested a suspect. Tom Roberts, 63, of Barney was taken into custody and booked in the Brooks County Jail; the Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced he was charged with malice murder. Authorities say they do not believe anyone else was involved. The case is being prepared for the Southern Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office and investigators indicated additional charges could be possible as the inquiry continues.

If anyone knew Leona Smith or has information about what happened that morning on Robinson Road, please share what you can with investigators.