COLQUITT CO., GA (WALB) - It's been two years since five friends were shot and killed in a Moultrie home before it was set ablaze in an what police said was an attempt to cover up the crime.
Jeffrey Peacock, originally believed to be the sole survivor of a tragic house fire, is accused of fatally shooting Jonathan Edwards, Alicia Norman, Jones Pidcock, Reid Williams and Jordan Croft on May 15, 2016. Police also believe Peacock set fire to the house.
District Attorney Brad Shealy is seeking the death penalty in this case.
Wes Smith, the man hired to demolish what was left of the house, was overcome with emotion and built a cross in memory of the five best friends.
In a 2016 interview with WALB News 10, Smith said he like everyone else in the community, was overcome with sadness.
Smith said family members and friends came by the home on the days he was out here, prompting him to build the memorial.
"I did it for them and the families to let them know that I do think about them daily and they will be in my prayers. I hope that this can be used for something good for them," he said.
On the memorial is a plaque that reads "Those we love don't go away. They walk beside us everyday. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed and forever dear."
"I wanted to leave something behind to remember them by. I didn't want to come here and clean something and not have them in mind as well," said Smith.
Friends of the five victims worked to keep their memories alive.
Desiree Flores was Alicia's manager and close friend. She and her team at Advance Auto Parts collected donations for funeral costs.
They also donated cleaning supplies to the Colquitt County Humane Society to keep Norman’s love for animals alive.
"I don't want to forget her because I love her and I miss her," said Desiree Flores, Alicia’s manager. "I wish I could get Alicia back, and I can't. And that's all that matters. So I'll just keep honoring her the way that we do, and I'll keep loving her the way that I do. And I'll just keep on moving forward. I still love her very much."
The case hasn't gone to trial yet. The latest motion hearing was delayed because of a clerical issue with the state bar.
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