Double Homicide in Grovetown Under Investigation: Update
A double homicide in Grovetown this morning started out as a report of a house fire.
The Grovetown Police department confirmed authorities were called to a report of a house fire in the 300 block of Newmantown Road at 10:53 am.
Chief Jamey Kitchens says the City’s General Services Director was in the area, stopped and was told by a neighbor there were people in the home.
Once inside the home, firefighters found 32-year-old Donald Beck just inside a rear window of the home, where it appeared he had broken the glass in an attempt to escape the fire. Beck told firefighters there were others still in the home. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment while authorities continued to look for others inside.
Kitchens said once the fire was out, firefighters found the bodies of 47-year-old Karen Denise Boswell and her juvenile son. Both appeared to have died from thermal injuries.
“Once the coroner arrived on scene, both bodies were examined, at which time it was discovered that they had also sustained knife injuries,” said Kitchens.
He said the case is being investigated as a homicide. Both bodies are being transported to the GBI Crime Lab for autopsies.
“Mr. Beck and Ms. Boswell lived together at the residence along with several juveniles. At this time, Beck is being guarded at a local hospital and is considered a suspect in the case,” said Kitchens. Warrants for his arrest are pending.
The State Fire Marshall’s Office has been called to assist in the investigation, in addition to the GBI and District Attorney’s Office.
Authorities say the case in still in the early stages of the investigation and more details will be released as they are available.
