Woodstock, Cherokee County, Ga. December 4, 2007- At approximately 8:44 pm last night Cherokee County deputies responded to a house fire at 268 Arnold Mill Rd. When deputies arrived at the home it was fully engulfed in flames. Deputies located a female, Joanie Barrett, 52 years old of Woodstock, in the back yard. Ms. Barrett advised deputies that her boyfriend, George Epps, 51 years old of Woodstock was still in the house. Deputies were unable to enter the home due to the flames.

After the fire was extinguished by Cherokee County Fire officials, Epps body was located in a bedroom of the home. Detectives are awaiting autopsy reports to determine the cause of death. Cherokee County Fire officials are investigating the cause of the fire.