Suspect Identified and Arrested in Murder of Mother and Daughter

Marcus Dontavious Butts, 28, of Preston, Georgia, faces multiple charges in connection to the double homicide of Jessica Hatcher Thompson and her daughter, Julianna Thompson. They were killed on March 7, 2024.

On Tuesday, April 9, 2024, GBI agents obtained arrest warrants for Butts, including charges of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Home Invasion, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony.

Butts was identified as a suspect in the case who had already been arrested back on Saturday, March 9, 2024, on unrelated charges with the assistance of various law enforcement agencies including the Stewart County Sheriff’s Office, the Lumpkin Police Department, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, and the Georgia Department of Corrections.

Currently, Butts is being held in the Lee County Jail pending further legal proceedings.

The investigation into the case by the GBI is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Americus at 229-931-2439, the Smithville Police Department at 229-846-2203, or the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 229-759-601.