On Saturday, December 6, 2025, John Wells, 73, and his wife Monica Brookins, 72, were shot dead after returning to their Powder Springs, Georgia, home from a birthday celebration. The couple arrived at their residence on Yoshino Terrace around 12:30 p.m. and were confronted by gunfire as they entered the house.

Investigators say Monica Brookins was shot first as she entered the home and suffered five gunshot wounds, including to her abdomen. When John Wells followed her inside he was shot in the head and sustained three gunshot wounds. Their 31-year-old stepson and Monica’s biological son, Martin Duberry, reportedly called 911 himself, was waiting when officers arrived, and was taken into custody. He allegedly told detectives he was tired of them and wanted to be alone. Both victims were taken to a hospital and died shortly after arrival; Duberry was charged with two counts of felony murder, eight counts of aggravated battery, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

Did anyone in Powder Springs know John or Monica well enough to share what changed in the household before this happened?