Georgia Teen Charged with Murder After Woman Found Dead in Pine Mountain House Fire
PINE MOUNTAIN, GA — June 30, 2025
A 19-year-old Georgia man is facing murder charges in connection with the death of a woman whose body was discovered in the aftermath of a house fire earlier this month. Authorities say the victim, 54-year-old Bridgett Powell, was killed before the fire was intentionally set inside her Pine Mountain home in what investigators are calling a deliberate attempt to conceal the crime.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) confirmed that Elohim Hill, a Pine Mountain resident, has been arrested and charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, and first-degree arson following a two-week investigation into Powell’s death.
A Suspicious Fire Turns into a Homicide Investigation
Emergency responders were called to a home on East Harris Street on the morning of June 13, where they found the structure engulfed in flames. Once firefighters extinguished the blaze, they made a grim discovery — human remains inside the residence.
Authorities quickly determined that the circumstances surrounding the fire were suspicious, and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the GBI. During the initial investigation, Hill — reportedly present at the scene — was taken into custody on a lesser charge of concealing a death.
But as forensic teams examined the scene and the body was transported to the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office in Decatur, evidence mounted suggesting Powell’s death had been the result of a violent attack rather than the fire itself.
Charges Upgraded After Autopsy
An autopsy confirmed that Powell died under violent circumstances. As the investigation progressed, GBI agents obtained enough evidence to pursue murder charges. On June 27, Hill was formally charged and remains held at the Harris County Jail without bond.
Authorities have not revealed the specific relationship between Hill and Powell, though sources familiar with the case suggest they may have been related or closely acquainted. A possible motive has not yet been made public.
“This Was a Deliberate and Tragic Act”
“This is a heartbreaking case,” a spokesperson for the GBI said in a press release. “It began with what appeared to be a house fire and evolved into a full-scale murder investigation. The facts indicate this was a deliberate and tragic act of violence.”
Residents in the quiet town of Pine Mountain — known for its natural beauty and close-knit community — have expressed deep sadness over the incident. Friends and neighbors of Powell described her as a kind woman with a gentle spirit, someone who was active in the community and well-liked.
In the days following the fire, makeshift memorials began appearing near the burned home, with candles, flowers, and handwritten notes honoring Powell’s life.
Investigation Still Ongoing
While Hill remains in custody awaiting his first court appearance, the GBI and Harris County Sheriff’s Office continue to gather evidence and conduct interviews. Officials say the case remains open and active, and they are urging anyone with information to come forward.
As the legal process moves forward, the community continues to mourn and search for answers in a case that has shaken the town to its core.