Blackshear- On Tuesday, December 16, 2008, around 9:00 a.m., the body of Wendell Bruce Connell was found in a wooded area off of Clark Road adjacent to a residence in Pierce County Ga. Mr. Connell, 52 YOA, was discovered by friends searching for him after he was reported missing on Monday, December 15, 2008, to the Blackshear Police Department. The Pierce County Sheriff's office contacted the GBI Douglas office to assist in the death investigation.  

The victim lived in Blackshear and the investigation at this time indicates that he was last seen on Saturday, December 13, 2008.   .

An autopsy performed by the GBI State Crime Lab revealed that the victim's death is a homicide; however the cause of death is not being released at this time.

No one has been charged with murder at this time and the investigation is still on-going; therefore no other details will be released at this time. The GBI and Pierce County Sheriff's Office, along with assistance from the Blackshear Police Department and Georgia State Patrol Aviation Unit, are working the case.    If anyone has information pertaining to the investigation, please contact the Pierce County Sheriff's Office at 912-449-2011 or the GBI Douglas Office at 912-389-4103.

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Contact Information:

SAC Russell Mansfield - 912-389-4103 Pierce County Sheriff Richard King - 912-449-2011