Perry, GA—Yesterday, GBI agents from the Perry Regional Office and Crawford County Sheriff’s Investigators, assisted by the Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, charged 48 year-old Crawford County resident Jeffrey Averett with the murder of Daryl Oxford, age 39, formerly of Gray, GA. Oxford had been reported missing from Crawford County in mid-April. His decomposed body was found wrapped in bed linens by a ranger patrolling Camp Benjamin Hawkins Boy Scout reservation north of Byron, GA on April 21, 2012.

At autopsy, the GBI Medical Examiner confirmed Oxford’s identity and determined he died from a single gunshot wound to the chest. Oxford was last seen alive on Monday, April 9, 2012 at Averett’s home on Pottery Road, south of Lizella, GA. Investigators developed evidence early-on suggesting Averett killed Oxford at the residence that day during a dispute.

On April 13, 2012, investigators arrested Averett for a kidnapping associated with the disposal of Oxford’s body. Averett was detained in the Crawford County Jail while investigators searched for Oxford’s remains. Oxford’s unburied body was found in the general area authorities believed Averett had hidden it.

Averett is still being held at the Crawford County Jail. No bond has been set.   

Investigators request anyone with information about Oxford’s death contact the GBI at 478-987-4545 or 1-800-597-TIPS (1-800-597-8477).  


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Contact Information:

SAC Gary Rothwell, GBI Perry - 478-987-4545