Deputies make arrest in Paulding County arson, murder case

PAULDING COUNTY, Ga. (FOX 5 Atlanta) - Paulding County deputies have arrested a woman than they killed a man and then set a car on fire with his body inside.

The arson happened on the 2100 block of Vinson Mountain Crossing in a rural area of Paulding County on Aug. 26.

Deputies said a passerby discovered the car in flames around 12:50 a.m. Monday just after midnight just outside of a fence where the old Annewekee Children's home used to be.

Paulding County deputies closed the rural road for several hours as firefighters doused ferocious flames, only to make the disturbing discovery.

"My understanding, the vehicle was on fire visibly when they arrived and was fully engulfed. Once they put the fire out, they discovered the body inside," Deputy Tyler McSwain recalled.

On Monday, officials announced they have identified the victim as 24-year-old Austin James Nicholson of Rockmart, Georgia.

Investigators have arrested 23-year-old Akeyla Xemaja "Keke" Philpot on Sept. 12 and charged her with felony murder, arson, influencing witnesses, and possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute.

Philpot is being held in the Paulding County Jail with no bond.

Police say the case is still under investigation and more arrests are expected. If you have any information on the murder, please call detectives at 770-443-3015.