Only two weeks into the new year and local law enforcement officials are already investigating their second murder after a 43-year-old woman was reportedly shot by her husband early Wednesday morning in her home on Lake Lucinda Drive.

Newton County Sheriff's Lt. Bill Watterson said Darrell Antonio Crowder reportedly murdered his estranged wife Catcilia Crowder while their 16-year-old daughter slept in a nearby room. The suspect reportedly kicked in the home's back door before shooting his wife with a handgun.

 He was arrested in DeKalb County at 2:45 p.m. Wednesday by NCSO investigators and agents from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Watterson said Darrell Crowder was taken into custody without incident.

The suspect is charged with murder, felony murder, possession of a firearm during commission of a felony, burglary, cruelty to children first degree and cruelty to children third degree. 

The couple's daughter and a 13-year-old friend of the family were in another room when the shooting occurred, Watterson said, but the teenagers were witness to the events directly after the murder.

The oldest teen called 911 after the murder.

For legal reasons, Watterson said exact details of the case may not be released for months.

"We will not release everything until the case goes to trial," Watterson said.

The victim was awaiting trial on charges of theft by deception filed against her by the GBI, but Watterson said there was indication the murder was related to the case.

She was arrested in Oct. 2006 after allegedly filing a fraudulent income tax return on behalf of another person for which she reportedly received $4,454.

While Watterson said investigators believe the suspect acted alone, the department will continue to chase down ever lead.

Anyone with further information regarding case is asked to call the Newton County Sheriff's Office at (678) 625-1403 and ask for lead investigator Lt. Keith Crum. Tips may also be given anonymously at (678) 625-5007 or on their Web site www.newtonsheriffga.org.