46-year-old Stephaniie Wiliy was killed in a fire that ripped through her apartment early Labor Day morning, and investigators say her ex-boyfriend, 44-year-old Shawn Fails, is responsible. Authorities allege the blaze was intentionally set, turning what began as a holiday morning into a tragedy that has left the community grieving.
Investigators identified Fails as the suspect in the deadly fire. On Monday, he was taken into custody by Chambers County deputies during a traffic stop in Lanett, Alabama. He is currently being held on charges and is expected to be extradited back to Georgia to face murder, arson, and aggravated assault charges.
According to officials, emergency crews were called to the apartment complex around 1 a.m. on September 1, where flames had already consumed much of the residence. Firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control, but Wiliy was unable to escape and tragically perished inside her home.
Neighbors told investigators that Fails had been living with Wiliy on and off in recent months, but had moved out just a day before the fire. Some described their relationship as troubled, with signs of tension leading up to the tragic incident.
The Georgia fire marshal’s office, along with local law enforcement, quickly determined the fire had been deliberately set. Within hours, investigators named Fails as a suspect, prompting a regional search that ended with his arrest in Alabama later that same day.
Friends and neighbors have expressed heartbreak at Wiliy’s sudden death. Known for her warmth, kindness, and welcoming personality, she was described as someone who always greeted others with a smile and offered help whenever she could. “She didn’t deserve this,” one neighbor said. “She was a wonderful person who cared about everyone.”
The case has also reignited conversations in the community about domestic violence, with advocates urging those in unsafe relationships to seek help and reminding the public of available resources.
As investigators continue gathering evidence and preparing for court proceedings, Wiliy’s family and friends are left to grieve the devastating loss of a life taken too soon. A memorial service is expected to be announced in the coming days, as the community rallies together to honor her memory.