Family of 4 killed in DeKalb County overnight fire

Name: Family of 4 killed in DeKalb County overnight fire
Uploaded: 2026-02-05T23:58:29Z
Description: An overnight fire on Winthrop Drive claimed the lives of four family members in a multi-generational home that housed 11 people. Among the victims were Joseph "Pac-Man" Thomas, who reportedly sacrificed his life to save five children in the home, and three seniors in their 70s: Willie Smith, Junior Smith, and Mariana John Chambers.

An overnight fire on Winthrop Drive claimed the lives of four family members in a multi-generational home that housed 11 people. Among the victims were Joseph "Pac-Man" Thomas, who reportedly sacrificed his life to save five children in the home, and three seniors in their 70s: Willie Smith, Junior Smith, and Mariana John Chambers.

Posted February 5, 2026 6:58pm EST