Ohio woman allegedly abandons kids, stabs women, and sets fire in Troup County
Desjavae Conway accused of several crimes
Desjavae Conway is behind bars in Troup County after authorities say she abandoned her two young children in Heard County before breaking into a home, stabbing two women, and setting a building on fire. Deidra Dukes reporting.
TROUP COUNTY, Ga. - A mother is behind bars in Troup County after authorities say she abandoned her two young children in Heard County before breaking into a home, stabbing two women, and setting a building on fire.
Authorities identified the suspect as 34-year-old Desjavae Conway, who was traveling with her children from Dayton, Ohio, to Florida when she allegedly left them behind and went on a violent crime spree.
Children Abandoned on the Roadside
What they're saying:
Larry Hardy, who was driving along Franklin Parkway early Wednesday morning, spotted a 6-year-old girl standing alone on the curb around 2 a.m. Concerned for the child’s safety, he immediately called 911.
"I didn’t see anyone else around," Hardy said. He later shared a video of the girl standing in the dark, clutching a box and wearing a white cowboy hat. Another driver also saw the child in the same location and contacted authorities.
According to Franklin Police Chief Kevin Hanna, Conway abandoned the 6-year-old girl and her 2-year-old brother in a business parking lot and told them to hide in the woods. Officers found the children and turned them over to DFCS (Division of Family & Children Services).
Violent Home Invasion and Arson
What we know:
Around 5 a.m., Troup County authorities responded to a home invasion call. According to investigators, Conway broke into a residence, attacked two women, stabbing them multiple times, and then set a building on the property on fire.
She fled the scene in the victims’ vehicle, leaving her own van behind. Deputies located and apprehended Conway a short time later.
Authorities say they do not believe Conway knew the victims, and her motive remains unclear.
Community Reacts
Local perspective:
Hardy, who first called 911 after spotting Conway’s daughter alone, expressed relief that the children were unharmed.
"In this area, anything could have happened. I’m just thankful they were found safe," he said.
Conway remains in custody in Troup County, facing multiple charges, including child abandonment, home invasion, aggravated assault, and arson. Authorities continue to investigate the case.