Man charged with murder in Hiram woman death investigation

HIRAM, Ga. - Authorities have charged a man in connection with the murder case of a 39-year-old Hiram woman, according to the Paulding County Sheriff's Office.

Derek Jess Renfroe, 32, has been charged with malice murder, aggravated assault, arson, and tampering with evidence, according to police.

On Tuesday, Paulding County Sheriff’s Office released a picture of Renfroe, of Paulding County. They say Renfroe rents a room at the Sudie Road home, where deputies found Beth Harris dead early that morning.

A motorist called authorities on Wednesday about seeing Renfroe, and police made contact with him in response to the call. 

Police say Renfroe voluntarily came to the sheriff’s office to speak with detectives and agents. He was later arrested and will be held in the Paulding County Jail without bond.

Deputies also said Renfroe may have been at the home during the time of the incident. According to a news release, authorities responded to the home around 5:49 a.m.

Deputies say Harris’ husband, who reported the incident to 911, is cooperating with the investigation. Harris’ death has been ruled a homicide. The cause of death has not been released pending autopsy results.