Snellville Woman Found Dead In Home; Man Charged

Gwinnett County police arrested a 31-year-old man in connection with the death of a woman in her Snellville home.

Police checking on the welfare of Eva May Francis, 61, found her dead inside her Garnet Way home on Sept. 7.

Officials checked on her after her husband, who was out of the country on business, called a friend when he couldn’t get in touch with his wife. The friend called police, who discovered her body.

Authorities announced Monday that they arrested Damion Barton, of Conyers, and charged him with malice murder in connection with Francis’ death.

Police said Barton knew Francis and her family. Authorities said Barton had lived with Francis and her husband in their Snellville home for a short period of time before moving out “several months prior” to her death.

Gwinnett County police officials said Barton was arrested without incident at his Conyers home. Detectives said they believe Barton intended to rob Francis.

Police said the victim’s vehicle, a silver 2003 Toyota 4-Runner with Georgia tag HU151Z is still missing. Anyone with any information is asked to call 911 or Gwinnett County police at 770-513-5300.