An Atlanta-area mom and her 2-year-old are dead after a man strangled them to death on Sunday, and police are trying to figure out why it happened.

Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Natalie Nation, 30, was renting a room in a Gwinnett County home of off Tybee Drive. Her toddler son lived with her. The homeowner’s son, Brandon Williams, 32, allegedly used a towel to choke both Nation and her son. The homeowner, frantic, called 911. They were taken to the hospital. The toddler, Cole Nation, passed away first, followed by this mother.

“The caller reported that his son had choked a mother and child that live at the house and walked a short distance up the street to a gas station,” Gwinnett police Cpl. Deon Washington said.

The suspect was confronted at a nearby gas station and quickly arrested without incident.

The homeowner, who didn’t want to give his name and didn’t want to appear on camera, said he “hates” his son and is devastated by what happened. The homeowner also said that the victim was his girlfriend. He said the incident happened while he was working on a car. He noticed his son walking around with a clown mask on and acting strange.

Williams is charged with felony murder and aggravated assault, among other charges. He’s at the Gwinnett County Detention Center with no bond.

The story is still developing. Check back with Crime Online as additional information becomes available.

[Feature Photo: Handout]