GBI Investigates Death Following a House Fire in Brooks County

UPDATE - 5/12/26

The GBI has arrested and charged Dere’on Mitchell, age 17, of Quitman, GA, in connection with the death of Datravion Williams, age 21, of Quitman, GA.

Mitchell is charged with Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony.

GBI agents and Brooks County Sheriff’s Office investigators obtained the arrest warrants for Mitchell on May 12, 2026. Mitchell was already in custody of the Brooks County Jail on other charges related to this case. On April 6, 2026, Mitchell was arrested for Theft by Taking a Motor Vehicle and two counts of Possession of a Handgun by a Person Under the Age of 18.

The investigation is a joint case with the Brooks County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire.

Additional charges are expected in this case.

ORIGINAL RELEASE:

Brooks County, GA (April 6, 2026) - The GBI is investigating a death following a house fire in Brooks County. The Brooks County Sheriff’s Office requested the GBI to investigate on April 5, 2026.

On Sunday, April 5, 2026, Brooks County 911 received a call about a house fire in the 2000 block of Hickory Head Road. Brooks County Fire Department (BCFD) personnel responded to the house to fight the fire. While working to extinguish the fire, BCFD personnel discovered a body inside the home. GBI agents and a crime scene specialist, along with the State Fire Marshal’s Investigation Unit, arrived to assist with the investigation.

The body found inside the house will be sent to the GBI Crime Lab for an autopsy and positive identification.

This case is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call the GBI at 229-225-4090 or the Brooks County Sheriff’s Office at 229-263-4262. 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.