The boyfriend of a slain Fort Valley State University student has been charged with malice murder, the GBI announced Friday afternoon.
DeMarcus Little, 23, had previously been charged with criminal damage to property stemming from a Feb. 5 incident that left Anitra Gunn’s windows smashed and her tires slashed. Little was granted $10,000 bond on that charge Friday afternoon, hours before a news conference to announce the additional charge.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Gunn family and the Fort Valley State University family,” GBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Todd Crosby said as the evening news conference began. He didn’t provide additional details, saying doing so would impede the case. Little’s next court appearance hasn’t been scheduled.
Gunn went missing on Valentine’s Day and her remains were found at 3:20 p.m. Tuesday, following a days-long search involving police and firefighters from numerous jurisdictions.
Gunn, a senior communications major, graduated from Fulton County’s Westlake High School. Her disappearance has shaken the small Middle Georgia town of Fort Valley and the university she attended.
A day after she was reported missing by her father, Christopher Gunn, her damaged car was found abandoned near her home. On Tuesday, a Peach County Sheriff’s Office deputy spotted a piece of the vehicle on the edge of a wood line and followed tire tracks into the woods, where he found her body covered with sticks.
Hours later, the Fort Valley Department of Public Safety announced Little’s arrest.
Christopher Gunn, who has asked for prayers and privacy as his family mourns his daughter, has launched a Go Fund Me campaign to accept donations toward funeral and burial expenses.
“The ray of sunshine and the apple of our eye gained her heavenly wings,” the site reads. “Although we have so many unanswered questions, we are trusting in God thru it all. We are so THANKFUL for the outpouring of love, support and prayers from all over the country.”
Fellow Fort Valley senior Nia Bell became emotional speaking about her.
“This situation is devastating. Every time I saw her, she was happy with a positive vibe,” said Bell. “It makes me scared as a woman.”
At the Friday evening news conference, Peach County Sheriff Terry Deese talked about the impact Gunn’s death has had.
“Y’all have been riding around in our community. You see how upset everyone is,” he told reporters. “When something like this happens it tends to bring people together. We came together.”
The university is planning a candlelight vigil in Gunn’s honor at 6 p.m. Monday.
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