a report of skeletal remains

 City of Brunswick Georgia Police Department

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May 23, 2025

For Immediate Release

Interim Chief Angela Smith

​On Thursday, May 22, 2025, at approximately 3:00 PM, personnel from the Brunswick Police Department responded to a report of skeletal remains located on the rocks beneath the Sidney Lanier Bridge. The Brunswick Police Department’s Marine Patrol and Criminal Investigations Division, along with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) responded to the location.

Preliminary findings suggest that the remains belong to two individuals who had likely been at the location for several months. Both decedents were dressed in cold weather clothing. One was wearing a black coat with pink fur lining on the sleeves and interior, while the other was found in gray jogging pants and a gray fleece zip-up jacket. The second individual also had a tattoo containing butterflies on their left hand.

At this time, the identities of the deceased have not been confirmed, and their relationship to one another remains unknown. Both sets of remains have been transported to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy and further analysis.

This case remains active and under investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Melissa Howell at (912) 279-2606.

Arrest after 2 years

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Coffee County Ga Sheriff's Office

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Douglas, GA – After nearly two decades, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), in partnership with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office and multiple Missouri law enforcement agencies, has arrested Jon Worrell, 58, of Douglas, Georgia, for the 2006 murder of his wife, Doris Worrell. Jon Worrell, now residing in Maryville, Missouri, was taken into custody without incident on May 20, 2025, and has since been extradited to Coffee County. He faces charges of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Murder, and Aggravated Battery.

On September 20, 2006, Doris Worrell, 39, was found shot and killed inside the couple’s business, Jon’s Sports Park, in Douglas, Georgia. While early reports suggested a robbery gone wrong, the case remained open as suspicions and evidence slowly began to point toward Jon Worrell. Investigators later uncovered that Jon had been in a relationship with the family’s live-in nanny, Paola Yarberry, and feared losing custody of his children if divorced. Evidence showed that Jon had conspired to have Doris killed and recruited individuals for the crime. Although previous suspects were arrested, charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence.

“Relief, gratitude, and sorrow—that’s what I feel today,” said Sheriff Fred Cole. “This case was never forgotten. Our team, along with the GBI, has worked tirelessly to uncover the truth, and today we honor Doris and her loved ones with this long-overdue justice.” Sheriff Cole also praised his predecessor, Sheriff Doyle Wooten, for his foundational commitment to the case. The arrest follows a renewed investigative push, which included travel to Costa Rica where Paola Yarberry ultimately cooperated, enabling agents to corroborate past evidence and secure the arrest warrants.

“This is a message to those involved in any unsolved crimes—we are coming,” added Sheriff Cole. “This case proves justice has no expiration date, and our pursuit will not end until the truth comes to light.” Sheriff Cole extended his gratitude to Missouri partners, including the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Nodaway and Buchanan County Sheriff’s Offices, and the Maryville Police Department, for their critical support in apprehending Worrell. The investigation remains active, and the case will be forwarded to the Waycross Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.