Deputies: Murder Suspect Tried to Hide Evidence in Double Homicide Case

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) One of the men charged with two counts of murder, in a Houston County double homicide case, is facing an additional charge of tampering with evidence to hinder an investigation.

Thomas Andrew Kelly, 19, and Coleman Lawrence Crouch, 21, are each charged with two counts of murder. Crouch is also charged with hindering and investigation by trying to destroy evidence.

Houston County Sheriff’s Office Chief Investigator of the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) Capt. Jon Holland said two men were found dead inside a Chadwick Road home Monday. Capt. Holland said the men were shot and killed Sunday between 8 p.m. and midnight. Holland said a “concerned citizen” walked into the sheriff’s office around 5 a.m., Monday and told deputies he believed there was a shooting at a house located in the 100 block of Chadwick Road in west Houston County.

Kelly was arrested in Gwinnett County Monday evening and Crouch was detained when deputies arrived at the Chadwick Road home. Crouch was arrested later.

Although autopsies were performed on the victims Tuesday, investigators will not release their names until their families have been notified.

Holland declined to go into detail about the crime scene at the house, but he did say deputies could tell shots had been fired inside.

The bodies were dumped into a wooded area near Georgia Highway 41/49 and North Houston Lake Road.

The CID captain said the fatal shooting was not a “random” act of violence. Holland added that one of the victims knew one or both of the suspects. He said surrounding neighbors in the Chadwick Road community should not be concerned about more incidents like this.

The captain said the investigation is on-going,

If anyone has information about the double homicide case is asked to call 478-542-2085 or 478-542-2080.