Barney Man Arrested for Murder of Elderly Woman in Brooks County Shooting

The GBI has arrested 63-year-old Tom Roberts of Barney, GA, and charged him with malice murder in connection to the death of 74-year-old Leona Smith, also of Barney.

Preliminary information indicates that on April 11, 2025, at approximately 5:45 a.m., Brooks County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a shooting in the 1500 block of Robinson Road in Barney, GA. Upon arrival, they found Smith deceased with a gunshot wound.

Tom Roberts was taken into custody and booked into the Brooks County Jail. Authorities have indicated that additional charges are possible as the investigation continues. There is no indication of anyone else being involved in the incident.

This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI regional investigative office in Thomasville at 229-225-4090. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Southern Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.