Quitman Teen Charged With Murder After Body Found in Brooks County House Fire

BROOKS COUNTY, Ga. — A 17-year-old Quitman resident has been charged with murder in connection with a deadly house fire investigation in Brooks County, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Authorities said Dere’on Mitchell, 17, was charged in the death of 21-year-old Datravion Williams of Quitman.

Mitchell faces charges including Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony.

GBI agents and investigators with the Brooks County Sheriff’s Office obtained arrest warrants for Mitchell on May 12, 2026.

Officials said Mitchell was already being held in the Brooks County Jail on separate charges related to the investigation. On April 6, authorities arrested him for Theft by Taking a Motor Vehicle and two counts of Possession of a Handgun by a Person Under 18.

The investigation began April 5, 2026, after Brooks County 911 received reports of a house fire in the 2000 block of Hickory Head Road.

Firefighters with the Brooks County Fire Department responded to extinguish the blaze and discovered a body inside the home, investigators said.

The GBI, a crime scene specialist, and the Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire State Fire Marshal’s Investigation Unit later joined the investigation.

Authorities said the investigation remains active and additional charges are expected.