On Saturday, March 30, a 36-year-old father from Preston, Georgia, was arrested in connection with the death of his two daughters, aged one and three.
Authorities identified the man as Adan Tzoyohua Panzo.
Following a domestic dispute with his wife, Panzo allegedly set his vehicle ablaze with his two daughters inside. The tragedy was discovered when first responders, called to a report of a vehicle fire at a local home, extinguished the flames and found the young victims inside the car. Panzo faces charges of felony murder, malice murder, and arson and is currently detained at the Webster County Jail.
The incident drew an immediate response from Webster County’s first responders. Fire Chief Cody Brown described the rapid deployment of firefighting equipment to manage the blaze, emphasizing the emotional toll the discovery of the children took on his team and the wider community.
The ongoing investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, alongside the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Webster County Sheriff’s Office, seeks to uncover the full circumstances of this case. This rigorous process underscores the legal and investigative efforts to ensure justice for the victims and their family.
Preston, known for its close-knit community and rural charm, is grappling with the aftermath of the incident. With a population of approximately 1,000 residents, the impact of such a tragedy resonates deeply, sparking conversations on domestic violence and the protection of the vulnerable. The identity of the children’s mother has not been disclosed.
Community reactions have varied, with many expressing profound sorrow and disbelief. One Preston resident, preferring anonymity, shared their heartache, highlighting the innocence and vulnerability of the young lives lost.
“It’s really sad to hear that a one-year-old and a three-year-old lost their life,” one resident told a local news outlet.
“They’re not even out in the world just yet. They’re not even able to understand or comprehend what was going on. I couldn’t imagine what they were feeling during that situation.”
Authorities have urged anyone with additional information to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community assistance in such investigations.
