UPSON COUNTY, GA - The Upson County Sheriff’s Department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation have arrested three individuals in the murder of an Upson County couple. OCTAVIUS HART, 32, of Roberta; RONALD LENEAL HART, 21, of Musella; and JEREMY SAFFOLD, 29, of Byron were arrested late Thursday evening and early Friday morning. Octavius Hart and Ronald LeNeal Hart were arrested in Roberta. Saffold was taken into custody at a motel in Clayton County. All are charged with two counts of Felony Murder, two counts of Malice Murder, two counts of Aggravated Assault, Armed Robbery, Arson 1st Degree and Theft by Taking Motor Vehicle.

On Thursday, October 15, 2009, at approximately 5:12 a.m., a fire was reported to Upson County 911 at 162 Parkview Drive in the Salem Community of Upson County. Upon arrival of fire and law enforcement personnel, it was discovered the occupants of the residence, Mike Walker, 58, and Dorothy Walker, 56, were missing and that one of their vehicles was gone. Additional evidence was noted at the scene suggested an armed confrontation had occurred and person(s) may have been injured. The residence was totally destroyed by fire. Human remains of two individuals, believed to be that of the Walkers, were subsequently located within the burned out structure. Further laboratory testing at the GBI Crime Lab will be needed to positively identify the remains.

The Walker’s vehicle was later located in Crawford County off Hwy 341.

Investigative leads subsequently resulted in the arrest of Octavius Hart, Ronald LeNeal Hart and Jeremy Saffold. The three charged are currently being held at the Upson County Jail.

The following agencies also assisted in the investigation: Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office, Crawford County Sheriff’s Department, Peach County Sheriff’s Department, Byron Police Department and Clayton County Police Department.
 
The investigation is still ongoing. If anyone has any additional information related to this case, please contact the GBI Region 2 Columbus office at 706-565-7888 or the Upson County Sheriff’s Department at 706-647-7411.

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Contact Information:

Special Agent in Charge Rodney J. Wall - 706-565-7888