On a tragic evening in Covington, Georgia, a dispute over child custody escalated into a fatal shooting, claiming the lives of Craig Joshua Thomas, a 29-year-old male, and his wife, 33-year-old Desiree Cash Thomas. The incident, which unfolded on Sunday, September 11, 2022, occurred during a custody exchange for Desiree's 15-year-old daughter from a previous relationship.
The couple had arrived at the Pebble Lane home of the teen's father, Marquez Smith, 34. An argument ensued when the daughter expressed her refusal to go with her father. In response, Smith reportedly retrieved a handgun and opened fire on Craig and Desiree as they sat in their vehicle. The couple's attempt to flee was cut short when their car crashed into a mailbox a short distance away. Craig was pronounced dead at the scene, while Desiree succumbed to her injuries in an ambulance en route to the hospital. The entire traumatic event was witnessed by Desiree's teenage daughter.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Marquez Smith fled the scene. However, he later contacted the Newton County Sheriff and arranged to turn himself in to the authorities around midnight. He was subsequently arrested and faced a litany of charges, including two counts of murder, aggravated assault, cruelty to children, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. It was later revealed that Smith had a prior conviction from 2017 for aggravated battery against Desiree.
After a four-day trial in November 2024, a Newton County jury took just over 30 minutes to convict Marquez Smith on all charges, including malice murder. During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Smith had attempted to acquire a gun from a family member before the killings. Phone calls made by Smith from jail were also introduced, in which he reportedly described the trial as 'fun' and showed a lack of remorse. Following his conviction, Smith remains in custody awaiting sentencing. Craig Joshua Thomas was remembered as a hardworking forklift driver and manager who provided a home for his mother, brothers, wife, and stepdaughters. He was also a father to a son.
