In Yoshino Terrace neighborhood of Powder Springs, Georgia, 72-year-old Monica Brookins met a tragic end on December 7, 2025, during a domestic disturbance that erupted into a fatal double shooting.
Around 12:30 p.m., Powder Springs Police responded to a 911 call from her 31-year-old son, Martin Duberry, who confessed to shooting her and her 73-year-old husband, John Wells, after they returned from celebrating Wells’ birthday. Both victims were found with multiple gunshot wounds—Brookins struck five times—and rushed to a hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries.
The Cobb County Police Department’s investigation, detailed in arrest warrants, revealed Duberry’s chilling motive: a desire for solitude in the family home where he resided with his mother and stepfather. He faces two counts of murder, eight counts of aggravated battery, and firearm possession charges, remaining in custody without bond as the probe continues into this intimate betrayal. This incident marks a stark rupture in a quiet community unaccustomed to such violence.
Relocating to Powder Springs from California several years ago, Monica and John quickly wove themselves into the fabric of Yoshino Terrace, their warmth drawing neighbors into easy camaraderie. Monica, a devoted wife and mother, served actively on the homeowners association board, advocating for green spaces and community events that fostered unity in the subdivision.
Monica’s family life centered on the blended household she shared with John, extending grace to her son Martin despite evident strains, as evidenced by their decision to house him. Holidays and birthdays, like the one preceding the tragedy, highlighted her role as the steady anchor, blending quiet evenings with gatherings that emphasized gratitude and togetherness.
She balanced HOA duties with personal pursuits that spoke to her grounded spirit, including tending neighborhood gardens and organizing casual block parties to strengthen local ties. Her hobbies leaned toward simple joys—perhaps reading historical novels or baking for community potlucks—mirroring a lifestyle of deliberate calm amid suburban rhythms.
As Powder Springs processes this profound loss, no funeral arrangements for Monica have been publicly announced, with Legacy.com and local sources showing no details as of December 11. The community, still reeling from the shock, holds vigil for the beloved couple whose legacy of kindness lingers in every shared smile and HOA initiative, a poignant reminder of life’s fragility in the face of unseen fractures.