Two Women Found Dead in Fyffe; One Arrested as Investigation Continues
FYFFE, Ala. — The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the deaths of two women discovered Thursday, December 4, 2025, at a residence on County Road 158 in Fyffe.
Deputies, along with the Powell Police Department and DeKalb Ambulance Service, responded to the home after receiving a report of two deceased females. The DeKalb County Drug and Major Crimes Unit was called to the scene, where investigators processed evidence, interviewed neighbors and witnesses, and identified the victims as 79-year-old Ruth Genett Rowland and 76-year-old Charlotte W. Harper, both of Fyffe.
As part of the investigation, officers executed a search warrant at a residence in the 1400 block of Forest Avenue in Fort Payne. Authorities say additional evidence was collected during that search.
Following the operation, Oliver Nick Harper, 37, of Fort Payne, was arrested and charged with two counts of Abuse of a Corpse. According to investigators, the charges stem from actions Harper allegedly took in the days after the women died and before their bodies were discovered. Officials say the case remains active, and additional charges may be forthcoming.
Sheriff Nick Welden expressed condolences to the families of the victims and praised the work of responding agencies.
“As we continue this investigation, our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of Ms. Rowland and Ms. Harper. Please keep all of them in your thoughts and prayers,” Welden said. “I am deeply grateful for the hard work of our investigators and partner agencies, and will remain committed to finding the truth and achieving justice in this case.”
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