VILLA RICA, Ga. — Saturday marks one week since a Villa Rica man's family said he was shot dead in front of his young children.
Police arrested Karlton Sirmons, 35, for breaking into Tavarus Joiner's, 32, house after he fled the scene. A spokesperson explained that officers responded to a domestic dispute with shots fired. Three adults were hurt. One died at the scene.
Tavarus, affectionally called "T-Bone's" family, is speaking for the first time.
Tavarus' mother, Janet Joiner, wished someone could wake her up.
"I still feel like I'm in this nightmare," Janet said.
Janet said Tavarus was living at the house where the shooting took place with his two boys and girlfriend. His birthday had just passed in October.
"It was just devastating," Janet said. "It was unbelievable."
Janet described her son as a protector. At the time of the crime, she said Tavarus was providing a safe space for a cousin who was trying to get out of a dangerous relationship and domestic violence.
"He was silly and fun," Janet said. "Everybody loved him."
Janet said the cousin's alleged boyfriend, Sirmons, had been following her.
"This man found her, kicked in their door, shot my son first, shot her eight times, shot my son's girlfriend and beat her, broke her leg," Janet said.
Janet then said Tavarus' sons, aged three and five, watched.
"They keep reliving it. It's awful," Janet said.
The cousin and girlfriend survived.
Sirmons faces the following charges: threatening/intimidating a disabled/elder resident, first-degree home invasion, misdemeanor battery, second-degree criminal damage to property, possession of firearms by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm or knife during certain crimes, three counts of cruelty to children, three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of murder, and aggravated battery.
"He's just a dangerous man," Sirmons said. "He never should have been out in the first place."
Janet believes Sirmons has a criminal history. A spokesperson for Villa Rica Police confirmed Sirmons was charged with murder in 2019 but was acquitted.
She hopes Sirmons never gets out of jail.
"I do think there should be stricter laws," Janet said. "We've got to keep up with our criminals."
The family launched an online fundraiser to help the children while their mother recovers. You can support here.
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