GBI Investigates Death in Lavonia, GA

UPDATE – October 30, 2023:

The Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the remains as Douglas Cordell Barnes. We don’t have any additional information at this time, and our case will remain open until the lab reports are completed.

ORIGINAL RELEASE:

Lavonia, Franklin County, GA (September 5, 2023) – On Monday, September 4, 2023, at about 1:00 p.m., the Lavonia Police Department requested the GBI for assistance with a death investigation near the intersection of Robin Lane and David Avenue, in the City of Lavonia, Franklin County, GA. The Franklin County Coroner took the deceased person to the GBI Crime Lab for an autopsy. At this time, the person has not been identified, and agents are awaiting the cause and manner of death from the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office.  

This investigation is active and ongoing. If anyone has information regarding this investigation, please contact the  Lavonia Police Department at 706-356-4848 or the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Athens, GA at 706-552-2309. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.