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Man steals neighbor's license plate before murder-suicide
Marietta police say Michael Allen Reno fatally shot his girlfriend before turning the gun on himself. It all started with his neighbor's stolen license plate.
MARIETTA, Ga. - This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Marietta police have identified the two people found dead inside a home surrounded by SWAT where a suspect barricaded himself late Saturday afternoon.
ORIGINAL REPORT: Marietta SWAT standoff: 2 dead after man wanted for stolen weapons barricades self
The individuals were identified as 35-year-old Courtney Dobberson-Watts, and 37-year-old Michael Allen Reno.
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What neighbors knew about murder-suicide couple
A barricaded, Marietta SWAT situation has turned into a homicide investigation after the suspect was found dead with a woman he was reportedly dating. Neighbors spoke to FOX 5 about what it was like living next door to Michael Allen Reno and Courtney Dobberson-Watts.
Police originally said they tried to pull Reno over at around 4 p.m. for either driving with stolen plates or driving a stolen car when he fled to Amy Drive NE. Officers said they tried to coax him out of the vehicle, when he ran out of the car, into the home and barricaded himself inside.
Later Saturday night, Marietta police clarified that Reno was already parked on Amy Drive where Dobberson-Watts was renting a home. They said they used a license plate reader alert to track him down and immediately notified Cobb County 911 dispatch. As they approached his vehicle, they said he ran into the house and wouldn't come out.
It's believed that Reno and Dobberson-Watts were involved in a relationship.
While Reno was barricaded inside, officials discovered he was suspected of stealing approximately $20,000 worth of handguns and rifles and $18,000 in cash from his brothers. At least one of the rifles was visible from outside the home on Amy Drive.
By 10:40 p.m., officials forced their way into the back of the home where they discovered the two bodies and a large amount of weapons. They believe it was a case of murder-suicide, and it is being investigated as a homicide.
This remains an open investigation and anyone with more information is urged to contact the Marietta Police Department 770-794-5300 or Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta 404-577-8477 if you wish to remain anonymous.
If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The crisis center provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to civilians and veterans. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Or text HOME to 741-741 (Crisis Text Line). As of July 2022, those searching for help can also call 988 to be relayed to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.