Double Tragedy in Fyffe: Two Women Found Dead; Fort Payne Man Arrested

TWLN Staff Reporter | The Weekly Ledger News | Area News

FYFFE, Ala. — The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office has launched an intensive investigation following the discovery of two deceased women at a residence on the 200 block of County Road 158 in Fyffe on Thursday, December 4, 2025.

Deputies responded to the scene alongside the Powell Police Department and DeKalb Ambulance Service after receiving a report of two unresponsive females inside the home. Upon arrival, authorities confirmed the deaths and immediately requested assistance from the DeKalb County Drug and Major Crimes Unit.

Investigators processed the scene, gathered evidence, and conducted interviews with neighbors and potential witnesses. The victims were identified as 79-year-old Ruth Genett Rowland and 76-year-old Charlotte W. Harper, both residents of Fyffe.

As part of the ongoing investigation, officers executed a search warrant at a residence in the 1400 block of Forest Avenue in Fort Payne. According to officials, additional evidence related to the case was collected during the operation.

Photo courtesy of DeKalb County Detention Center of Oliver Nick Harper, 37 of Fort Payne. Harper was arrested on corpse abuse charges after two women were found dead in a home, according to DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office officials.

Following the search, Oliver Nick Harper, 37, of Fort Payne, was taken into custody and charged with two counts of Abuse of a Corpse. Investigators allege that Harper engaged in actions involving the victims’ remains during the period between their deaths and when their bodies were discovered. Authorities say more charges are possible as the investigation continues to unfold.

Sheriff Nick Welden offered condolences to the families of the victims and commended the collaborative efforts of all 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,” Sheriff 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.”

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information related to the case to contact investigators as they work to determine the circumstances leading to the women’s deaths.

Continue following The Weekly Ledger News for updates as more information becomes available.

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