Body of missing 23-year-old mother placed in suitcase, set on fire, warrant says

CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — WARNING: The details in this case are graphic.

A man arrested in the disappearance of a Clayton County mother choked her to death and set her body on fire, according to new details unveiled in court on Friday.

Brianna Winston’s family reported her missing on April 1. On Thursday, detectives issued an arrest warrant for malice murder for Michale Edwards, the father of Winston’s 4-year-old child.

Channel 2′s Tom Jones was inside the courtroom for Edwards’ first appearance on Friday as the judge read from the warrant.

Judge Betrice Scott said Edwards choked Winston during an argument. He put Winston’s body in a suitcase then traveled across state lines.

“You then traveled to Gates Tennessee with the body of the victim concealed in a suitcase. and with the help of a co-defendant proceeded to burn the suitcase in a barrel,” the judge said.

The judge said it was all an effort to cover up the murder. She denied Edwards bond.

Edwards showed no emotion as he heard the charges he faces.

Court documents indicated Edwards killed Winston because he was angry she was going to visit another man.

Documents indicate the friend who helped Edwards, who wasn’t identified, was offered a proffer agreement, meaning they could expect some level of immunity for their cooperation.

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Winston’s family said at the time of her disappearance, her 4-year-old daughter had been staying with Edwards, and no one had heard from Winston in weeks.

Police later identified Edwards and his wife, Brienna Phillips-Edwards, as two people of interest. Jail records show police arrested Edwards April 8 on aggravated stalking charge.

Police also arrested Phillips-Edwards on a felony false statement charge. According to the warrant, she gave false information to police and tried to provide her husband with an alibi as officers questioned her about Winston’s disappearance.

Jones was at the police station Friday where Winston’s family learned of Edwards’ arrest.

“We have closure,” her cousin, Jasmine Walker, said. “That’s about all we can say right now.”

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Police issue warrant for man on malice murder charges after disappearance of 23-year-old mother

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