Search continues for boyfriend in Sandy Springs murder, arson

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. - The search continues for a murder suspect after a woman was found dead inside her Sandy Springs home over the weekend.

Sandy Springs Police told FOX 5 firefighters responded to 39-year-old Amber Holliman's Hammond Drive home Saturday morning after a neighbor called and reported Holliman's house on fire.

"This is such a senseless tragedy," said David Boyt, Holliman's friend.

Boyt told with FOX 5 on Monday that he and Holliman had been friends for years.

MORE: Police search for murder suspect in deadly house fire investigation

"I met her once I started going to The Rusty Nail," Boyt said. "She was a bartender there. She was such a beautiful person. I just don't understand."

Police said they're looking for 43-year-old Patrick "P.J." Nolan, who is now wanted on murder and arson charges.

"That was her boyfriend of many years," Boyt said. "He was a really nice guy and very well spoken."

Officers said Nolan killed Holliman then set her house on fire before grabbing his 160-pound Presa Canario dog and taking off.

Loved ones said the tragedy gets even worse considering Holliman died less than 24 hours after her only daughter graduated high school - a milestone they'd both been looking forward to for years.

"This was huge for both of them," Boyt said. "Amber loved her daughter and she was a single mom. She was so proud of her and then this happened a day later."

Police said Nolan should be considered armed and dangerous and is likely driving a blue 2006 Ford Explorer with Georgia license plate number PYZ1420.

Anyone with information on Nolan's whereabouts is asked to contact the Sandy Springs police department at 404-456-9343.