GBI Investigates Death in Dexter

UPDATE - May 6, 2026:

The GBI has arrested and charged Jeremiah Terrell Worthen, age 18, of Dublin, GA, and Taze Shaquor Worthen, age 19, of Dublin, GA, with Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault and Kidnapping in connection with the murder of Joseph Burch on December 27, 2025.

Jeremiah and Taz Worthen were booked into the Laurens County Jail.

ORIGINAL RELEASE:

Dexter, Georgia (December 29, 2025) – At the request of the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office, GBI agents are investigating the death of Joseph Burch, age 46, of Dublin, GA.

On Saturday, December 27, 2025, at about 6:50 p.m., deputies with the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a home located in the 700 block of Shy Street in Dexter, Laurens County, GA, after a report of shots being fired. When officers arrived, they discovered Burch unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds in the yard.

Burch was pronounced dead at the scene.

No arrests have been made at this time.

The investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Eastman at 478-374-6988. 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 Dublin Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.