Federal hate crime probe launched after Georgia family’s third home burned

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Federal authorities are investigating a string of arsons in Georgia, as a potential hate crime after a Black family lost three homes on the same property to deliberate fires.

Georgia arson being investigated as a hate crime

The Terrell family moved to the community in Haralson County in 2024, seeking peace and space. “My wife wanted space, I wanted land. Just something quiet,” Terrell told Fox 5 Atlanta. But the day after closing on their first home, it was intentionally set ablaze.

Undeterred, the Terrells placed a second home on the land in 2025. Anticipating another attack, the Haralson County Sheriff’s Office partnered with federal agencies to install surveillance cameras, fly aircraft overhead, and deploy a Crime Suppression Unit in the woods. Despite these precautions, the fire came only after the surveillance ended.

“They forced the front door open and set a fire inside,” said Lt. Heather Mecillas of the sheriff’s office.

Before the Terrells purchased the land, a developer had placed a trailer there. That structure was also destroyed in an intentional fire. Investigators now believe the repeated targeting may reflect a deeper motive.

“There are a lot of good people here in Felton,” Mecillas said. “But there are also people who don’t want any kind of stranger here, any person from the outside”.

Ongoing Investigation looking for leads

The ATF is testing fingerprints and DNA recovered from the scene, while the FBI is investigating whether the fires were racially motivated. Authorities have not released surveillance footage or identified any suspects. It remains unclear what evidence supports a racial motive or when forensic results will be available.

GoFundMe campaign created

The Terrells were underinsured when the latest home was destroyed. Friends have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help the family rebuild.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Haralson County Sheriff’s Office.