Neighbors Shocked Murder Suspect Lived Near Twins

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By Heather VacLav

Story Created: Jun 7, 2012 at 7:52 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jun 7, 2012 at 8:06 PM CDT

Neighbors who lived by the Dejerinett twins in Montgomery were stunned to find out something so horrible happened to children in their neighborhood.

 

According to the Alabama Bureau of investigation, 9-year-old twins Taylor and Jordan Dejerinett lived on Thomas Avenue, the same street as their alleged killer’s last known address.

 

“No, I didn't even know [Deandre Lee] stayed in this area, wow, no we didn't know that,” said Jimmy Smith who lives near the twins.

 

Smith and his wife Wanda have been living on Audubon Road for five years and could not believe that 22-year-old Deandre Lee lived half a block away from their home. 

 

“He could still be in the area and not know it, but it makes me very uncomfortable, very uncomfortable,” Wanda Smith said, shaking her head in disbelief.

 

Like so many of the twins’ family members and people in the community, the Smith’s want answers.

 

“Was it out of anger, jealousy or something?” Jimmy Smith said, questioning the intent of whoever killed the twins.

 

“God, I hope they find him,” Wanda Smith said, “That’s kind of scary for anybody with kids.”

 

The Smiths said they always saw the twins' babysitter, 73-year-old Jack Girdner, driving past their home to pick up the children. They could not believe all three are gone.

 

“Just about every weekend he would be up through here, and the next time we seen him we seen him on the news,” Jimmy Smith said.

 

“We know the white Mercedes [Girdner] would drive, we know the black Mercedes he would drive, he would also come through in a pick-up truck sometimes,” Jimmy Smith said recalling the countless times Girdner would drive by.

 

Wanda Smith was noticeably shaken up, she said, “I just hate that those babies' lives were taken like that, [they] hadn’t got a chance to start to do anything, they was just babies.”

 

“It’s sad, it’s really sad,” she said.

 

CBS-8 also spoke with members of Taylor and Jordan Dejerinett’s family, they say are grateful for the community's support during this tragic time of their lives.

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D said on Saturday, Jun 9 at 5:38 PM

I'm just wondering how his name came about in the first place?? Was it a fingerprint? They developed a suspect very quickly without any witnesses... I really don't know what my point it, this case is just so heartbreaking and senseless!!!

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