By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Third man charged with murder, arson in burned body case
MUGS-Rivers-and-Franklin
Deodrick Ricardo Rivers, left, and Kelton Perez Franklin

UPDATE: A third suspect has been arrested and charged with murder and arson connected to a burned body believed to be that of Martin Villa-Gomez.

 Antonio Lindsey, 39, of Lithonia turned himself later Thursday evening, according to a released statement from the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators are still seeking additional suspects in connection with this murder. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office at 770-278-8000 and/or Lt. Matt Wolfe at 770-278-8152.

---------------------------------------------

(March 3, 5:57 p.m.) Rockdale County Sheriff's Office investigators have arrested and charged two men today with first degree arson and murder connected to the body found in a burned truck last month and are expecting another suspect to turn himself in.

Kelton Perez Franklin, 36, of Snellville and Deodrick Ricardo Rivers, 31, of Ellenwood were arrested and charged Thursday. Franklin, who was previously arrested and charged with making false statements in connection with the investigation, was out on a $10,000 bond. Rivers was arrested this morning at his place of work.

A third suspect is expected to turn himself in soon to authorities, according to Sheriff Jeff Wigington.

 A body believed to be that of 36-year-old Martin Mendoza Villa-Gomez of Auburn, Ga., was found in the bed of a burned pickup truck on Turner Road near Abbott Road on Feb. 5. The truck was registered to Villa-Gomez.

Villa-Gomez's family had reportedly called Auburn police to notify them that he was missing, but because he was an adult and missing less than 24 hours, the complaint was noted and a lookout was put on his vehicle, according to the Barrow County News. During that time, his vehicle was found burned in Rockdale County.

Anyone with information about this case can call lead investigator Lt. Matt Wolfe at 770-278-8000 x8152.

Check back to www.rockdalenews.com for more.