Crime & Safety

Update: Smyrna Murder Suspect Arrested in Nevada

Smyrna police say Derrick Williams was arrested Tuesday night.

Update, 8:35 a.m., Wednesday

Derrick Williams was arrested overnight near Reno, Nevada, said Smyrna police spokesman Michael Smith. Authorities said they do not have more details about his arrest at this time.

Patch will be providing the latest updates as soon as they become available.

Original Report, 2:26 p.m., Tuesday

Smyrna police are looking for a man who is considered armed and dangerous in connection with the Dec. 5 death of his wife.

Find out what's happening in Smyrna-Viningsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Derrick Williams of Smyrna, 35, is wanted for killing his wife, 33-year-old Finesse Dawson, said Smyrna police spokesman Michael Smith.

Smith said autopsy results from the Cobb County Medical Examiner revealed evidence of strangulation as a cause of death.

Find out what's happening in Smyrna-Viningsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

After allegedly beating and strangling his wife to death, Williams cleaned up his wife's body and wrapped her in bedding to hide the crime before fleeing the scene, according to investigators. 

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that "Williams is a convicted felon who spent seven months in prison last year on weapon and drug charges," and was again arrested in February for "allegedly punching his wife and cutting all four tires on her car with a steak knife."

Williams remained on the run as of Tuesday afternoon. Authorities have obtained warrants to arrest him for malice murder, felony murder, aggravated battery, aggravate assault, concealing the death of other and the possession of marijuana.

Anyone with information regarding Derrick Williams' location is asked to call 911 or the Smyrna Police Department at 770-434-9481 or 770-434-6666.

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