Franklin, GA – On Wednesday, September 23, 2015 the GBI’s Columbus Regional Office was requested by the Heard County Sheriff’s Office to assist in the investigation of the recovery of a partially decomposed body.  The body was found in a wooded area near US Highway 27 and Edwards Road by hunters who reported the discovery to the Sheriff’s Office.  A crime scene examination was performed by agents and deputies working the case. Subsequently, the unidentified body was sent to the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office in Decatur, GA for an autopsy.  The preliminary results from the autopsy revealed the cause and manner of death to be by gunshot wound resulting in homicide.  The deceased is described as an adult black male, approximately 5’10” – 6’0” tall, wearing black Champion brand sweat pants, size XXL, a light colored t-shirt that contains blue writing and a 1981 Belize logo on the front as well as white, blue, and grey colored Puma tennis shoes, size 14.  The Heard County Sheriff’s Office and GBI are seeking information from the public regarding the identity of the deceased and information surrounding his death.  The public is asked to call the Heard County Sheriff’s Office at 706-675-3329 or the GBI Columbus Regional Office at 706-565-7888.

Contact Information:

Fredrick J. Wimberly (706) 565-7888