Arrest made in Paulding Co. arson and muder

September 17, 2019–9:15 a.m.

PAULDING COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

An arrest has been made in connection with a murder and arson in Paulding County that occurred last month.

Detectives with the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division and Agents with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation have been conducting an investigation into what was originally dispatched as a vehicle fire on Vinson Mountain Crossing in Rockmart on August 26.

A body was located inside the vehicle and it was determined the man had been murdered.

The victim has been identified as 24-year old Austin James Nicholson of Rockmart.

23-year old Akeyla Xemaja “KeKe” Philpot has been arrested and charged with murder, arson, influencing a witness and possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute.

More arrests are expected in the coming weeks.

If you have any information on this case, please call Detectives and Agents at the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at (770) 443-3015.

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