Douglas, Coffee County, GA (October 2, 2026) – The GBI has arrested and charged James Lawrence III, age 47, of Irwin County, GA, with Felony Murder, Malice Murder, and Aggravated Assault in connection with the death of Christy Dawn Myers that occurred nearly 28 years ago.

On September 15, 1998, the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) requested the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Douglas to assist with a death investigation in Coffee County, GA. Myers, age 20 at the time, was discovered with multiple stab wounds near her vehicle on the Broxton-Fitzgerald Highway in Coffee County. As a result of continued testing, Lawrence was identified as a suspect through forensic evidence.

On October 1, 2026, Lawrence was taken into custody and booked at the Coffee County Jail.

The Irwin County Sheriff’s Office also assisted in locating and arresting James.

Over the past 28 years, the GBI’s Regional Investigative Office in Douglas and the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office have remained committed to seeking answers in Christy Myers' death. This arrest represents the culmination of those continued efforts. This successful investigation is an example of the importance of cooperation and collaboration between multiple GBI offices, local law enforcement agencies, intelligence analysts, forensic scientists, and prosecutors.

This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Douglas at 912-389-4103 or the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office at 912-384-4227. 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.

Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Waycross Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

Contact

Special Agent in Charge Jessica Hamilton

[email protected]

Related Files

  • Christy Dawn Myers (IMG, 1.2 MB)
    Graphic from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation announcing a solved cold case. A smiling woman wears a white cap and green striped sleeveless top. The GBI badge appears in the top right corner. A blue banner across the bottom reads "Solved Cold Case," with "Cold" crossed out, followed by "Christy Dawn Myers" and "Irwin County Man Arrested & Charged with Murder in Christy Dawn Myers Cold Case."