A domestic dispute in an Austell, Georgia, home on June 21, 2022, escalated into a triple homicide, leaving three family members dead. The victims were identified as 63-year-old Donnell Peaks, his 60-year-old wife Janice Peaks, and their 38-year-old cousin, Cameron King. Police were dispatched to the residence on Gardner Street at approximately 12:51 p.m. following reports of shots fired. Upon arrival, officers discovered Donnell and Janice Peaks deceased at the scene from gunshot wounds. Cameron King was found with gunshot wounds and transported to a local hospital, where he later died.
An arrest was made shortly after the incident not far from the home. The suspect was identified as 37-year-old Marcus Smith, who was the son of Janice Peaks and the stepson of Donnell Peaks. Authorities believe the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute that had turned both verbal and physical. An arrest warrant revealed that Donnell Peaks had been shot in the head and legs, while Janice Peaks and Cameron King were both shot in the head.
Marcus Smith was taken into custody and charged with three counts of felony murder and three counts of aggravated assault. He was subsequently booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center and held without bond. Law enforcement officials have indicated that they do not believe any other suspects were involved in the shooting.
