2 women face murder charges after man found bludgeoned to death

Two women are facing murder and armed robbery charges in connection with the death of a 74-year-old Bartow County man, officials said.

Rachel Savannah Ridley, 19, and Keisha Rena Cone, 20, both of Cartersville, were arrested as part of the investigation into James Edward Stephens’ Aug. 27 death, Bartow sheriff’s spokesman Jonathan Rogers said.

Deputies found the man during a welfare check at a home on Country Lane. Stephens had been dead “for some time,” Rogers said.

Later, the medical examiner determined Stephens died of blunt force trauma.

Rogers said a third arrest is expected, but a name has not been released.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Bartow County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division at 770-382-5050, extension 6030.

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