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ACCPD Unsolved Homicides
On May 9, 2024, Chief Jerry Saulters spoke to reporters at the Tara Baker Cold Case Arrest press conference at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) in Atlanta. The GBI, along with the ACCPD, announced the arrest of an Athens man for the 2001 murder of Tara Louise Baker, then a 23-year-old first year law student at the University of Georgia.
The Athens-Clarke County Police Department Robbery / Homicide Unit is responsible for investigating unsolved homicides within Athens, GA. All homicides are investigated until all known leads have been exhausted. At this time, the case is reviewed and evaluated for transfer to our Cold Case Detectives.
The Police Department currently operates with two part-time Cold Case Detectives. These Detectives follow-up on unresolved investigative leads, re-interview witnesses, and conduct new interviews. Additionally, Detectives work to determine if newer technologies or Forensic testing of evidence may produce any new potential leads.
Cold Case Detectives can be reached via email at coldcaseunit@accgov.com or reached individually:
Individuals may also remain anonymous using our Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 706-705-4775
APPLICATION FOR A COLD CASE REVIEW
In 2023, the Georgia General Assembly passed the Coleman Baker Act to assist Georgia families of cold case murder victims. This act allows for designated family members of unsolved Homicide victims to request a review of the case in the county where the incident occurred by local law enforcement.
To be eligible for review under the Coleman-Baker Act, several requirements must be met:
- The crime is a murder as defined by O.C.G.A.16-5-1
- The murder occurred on or after January 1, 1970
- The murder occurred more than three (3) years prior to the date of the application
- ACCPD completed the initial investigation of the murder
- All probative leads have been exhausted, or no likely perpetrator has been identified
- The applicant is a designated person*
*A designated person is a parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, grandparent-in-law, sibling, spouse, child, stepchild of a victim, any person who exercised in loco parentis control over a victim under the age of 18 years, or their designated attorney in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia
If an application does not meet any of the above criteria, the ACCPD may not accept the application under the provisions of the Act. Applications for review can be submitted using our Cold Case Review Online Form.
Current List of ACCPD's Unsolved Homicides
Select/Click Name for additional information (Updated 07-28-25)
- 2021: Demetrius Pope
- 2016: James Mitchell
- 2016: Daimeyan D. Stevens
- 2016: Daniel Joseph Macias
- 2015: Breana J. Blackwell
- 2008: Alberto Rivera-Dimas
- 2007: Odilon Cabrera DePaz
- 2007: Angel Mario Carrillo-Polanco
- 2007: Aurelio Jacome Pazillo
- 2005: Lee Andy Lyles
- 2005: Betty Anne Collins
- 2004: Terri Lynn Hunter
- 2004: Timothy Anderson
- 2003: Larry Darnell Bailey
- 2003: Shanta Dowdy
- 2003: Kelvin Savalas McDuffie
- 2002: Amelia Deborah Hector
- 2001: Janie Mae Weaver
- 2001: Carlos Ramone Brightwell
- 1999: Alfredo Vargas
- 1999: Rowland Sussewell
- 1996: Ernest Bernard Dean
- 1996: Linda Coleman
- 1996: Edward Lamont Holland
- 1996: Nakikita Lashonta Whitehead
- 1996: Bennie Walter
- 1996: Gwendolyn Taylor
- 1996: Jermaine Bledsoe
- 1996: Willie Vester Carey
- 1996: Clarence Bernard Mattox
- 1996: Pearlie Johnson
- 1996: Khoria Demias Booker
- 1994: Harold Gene Byrum
- 1994: Robert Bryant and Genelle Helms
- 1993: Darlene Crystal Hall
Demetrius L. Pope, 2021-11010273
On November 1, 2021, at 10:54 PM, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department responded to the 200 Block of Martin Circle in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival, Officers located 21-year-old Demetrius L. Pope suffering from a gunshot wound. Demetrius Pope was later pronounced deceased at an area hospital.
A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the offender(s).
If you have information regarding this investigation, you are asked to contact the Athens-Clarke County Police Department at coldcaseunit@accgov.com or 706-705-4775.
James Mitchell, 2016-00081622
On August 21, 2016, James W. Mitchell was reported missing by his family. He was last seen leaving his home in northern Athens-Clarke County on August 15, 2021. The victim's vehicle was later located abandoned in east Athens. The investigators suspect foul play. The current location of James Mitchell is unknown.
A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the offender(s).
If you have information regarding this investigation, you are asked to contact the Athens-Clarke County Police Department at coldcaseunit@accgov.com or 706-705-4775.
Daimeyan D. Stevens, 2016-0081130
On August 15, 2016, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department responded to the area of the Oaks Apartments on Gaines School Road in east Athens in reference to an individual who had been shot. Upon arrival, Officers located Daimeyan Stevens, age 29, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was later pronounced deceased at an area hospital.
A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the offender(s).
If you have information regarding this investigation, you are asked to contact the Athens-Clarke County Police Department at coldcaseunit@accgov.com or 706-705-4775.
Daniel Joseph Macias, 2016-00080900
On August 13, 2016, at 2:35 AM, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department responded to the area of North Jackson Street and Hancock Avenue in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival, Officers located the body of Daniel Joseph Macias, age 28.
A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the offender(s).
If you have information regarding this investigation, you are asked to contact the Athens-Clarke County Police Department at coldcaseunit@accgov.com or 706-705-4775.
Breana J. Blackwell, 2015-00112198
On November 28, 2015, at 10:58 PM, Officers responded to the area of Hawthorne Extension and Brooklyn Road in reference to individuals, within a large crowd of people, discharging firearms. Upon arrival, Officers located Breana Blackwell, age 23, suffering from a gunshot wound. She was pronounced deceased at a local hospital.
A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the offender(s).
If you have information regarding this investigation, you are asked to contact the Athens-Clarke County Police Department at coldcaseunit@accgov.com or 706-705-4775.
Alberto Rivera-Dimas, 2008-00112230
On November 30, 2008, Officers responded to the area of North Chase Street and Rowe Road in reference to a reported fight. Upon arrival, Officers located Alberto Rivera-Dimas, age 39, unresponsive in the parking lot of El Carretonero. Witnesses indicated he had been punched by an unknown individual and collapsed.
A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the offender(s).
If you have information regarding this investigation, you are asked to contact the Athens-Clarke County Police Department at coldcaseunit@accgov.com or 706-705-4775.
Odilon Cabrera DePaz, 2007-00101149
On October 14, 2007, at 11:57 PM, Officers responded to a report of a person down in the area of Sir Scott Road having a medical emergency, and another individual suffering from a gunshot wound. Upon arrival, officers discovered two individuals, both suffering from gunshot wounds. One of the individuals was identified as Odilon Cabrera DePaz. He was later pronounced deceased.
A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the offender(s).
If you have information regarding this investigation, you are asked to contact the Athens-Clarke County Police Department at coldcaseunit@accgov.com or 706-705-4775.
Angel Mario Carrillo-Polanco (AKA) Isreal De Jesus Portillo, 2007-00050802
On May 11, 2007, Officers responded to an area of new home construction in western Athens-Clarke County off Old Monroe Road known as Creekside Manor. Public utility workers reported finding a body in a "manhole" sewer drain system. Upon investigation, it was determined that there were in fact two bodies in the pipe system. The bodies were determined to be Angel Mario Carrillo-Polanco (AKA) Israel De Jesus Portillo, and Aurelio Jacome Pazillo.
A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the offender(s).
If you have information regarding this investigation, you are asked to contact the Athens-Clarke County Police Department at coldcaseunit@accgov.com or 706-705-4775.
Aurelio Jacome Pazillo (AKA) Cesar O Portillo-Jacome, 2007-00050802
On May 11, 2007, Officers responded to an area of new home construction in western Athens-Clarke County off Old Monroe Road known as Creekside Manor. Public utility workers reported finding a body in a "manhole" sewer drain system. Upon investigation, it was determined that there were in fact two bodies in the pipe system. The bodies were determined to be Aurelio Jacome Pazillo (AKA) Cesar O Portillo-Jacome and Angel Mario Carrillo-Polanco.
A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the offender(s).
If you have information regarding this investigation, you are asked to contact the Athens-Clarke County Police Department at coldcaseunit@accgov.com or 706-705-4775.
Lee Andy Lyles, 2005-0080582
On August 8, 2005, Officers responded to an area off Lexington Road in east Athens, known as "Tent-City", in reference to an unresponsive subject. "Tent-City" was an area known to be regularly used by homeless individuals. Upon arrival, Officers discovered the body of a deceased male, later identified as Lee Andy Lyles.
A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the offender(s).
If you have information regarding this investigation, you are asked to contact the Athens-Clarke County Police Department at coldcaseunit@accgov.com or 706-705-4775.
Betty Anne Collins, 2005-0080625
On August 7, 2005, at 5:00 PM, Officers responded to a person down in the 700 Block of Branch Street. Upon arrival, Officers discovered the body of a deceased female inside an abandoned residence. She was later identified as Betty Anne Collins, age 55.
A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the offender(s).
If you have information regarding this investigation, you are asked to contact the Athens-Clarke County Police Department at coldcaseunit@accgov.com or 706-705-4775.
Terri Lynn Hunter, 01-04-07-0894
On July 11, 2004, the family of Terri Lynn Hunter, age 40, reported to the Athens-Clarke County Police Department that Ms. Hunter had not been seen in over a week, and filed a Missing Person's report. Officers discovered the victim's apartment unsecured and the scene indicated possible foul play. On August 9, 2004, remains were found in east Athens that were identified as that of the victim.
A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the offender(s).
If you have information regarding this investigation, you are asked to contact the Athens-Clarke County Police Department at coldcaseunit@accgov.com or 706-705-4775.
Timothy Anderson, 2004-0050399
On May 6, 2004, at 11:37 PM, Officers responded to a reported gunfire in Lexington Heights, a neighborhood off Lexington Road. Upon arrival, Officers discovered a deceased male with a gunshot wound. The individual was identified as Timothy Anderson, age 35.
A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the offender(s).
If you have information regarding this investigation, you are asked to contact the Athens-Clarke County Police Department at coldcaseunit@accgov.com or 706-705-4775.
Larry Darnell Bailey, 2003-00050547
On May 6, 2003, the family of 38-year-old Larry Darnell Bailey reported that he had not been seen since mid April, 2003. He was last seen in the area of North Bluff Road, off U.S. Highway 441. On November 11, 2005, a land clearing company discovered skeletal remains in a wooded area near North Avenue. The skeletal remains were later identified as Larry Bailey.
A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the offender(s).
If you have information regarding this investigation, you are asked to contact the Athens-Clarke County Police Department at coldcaseunit@accgov.com or 706-705-4775.
Shanta "Dena" Dowdy, 2003-00041476
Shanta "Dena" Dowdy, age 21, was last seen on Friday, April 18, 2003, in the area of Martin Circle in east Athens. On June 08, 2025, Officers discovered human remains in a wooded area near Freeman Circle. The remains were later identified as Shanta Dowdy.
A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the offender(s).
If you have information regarding this investigation, you are asked to contact the Athens-Clarke County Police Department at coldcaseunit@accgov.com or 706-705-4775.
Kelvin Savalas McDuffie, 2003-00011126
On January 16, 2003, at 5:34 AM, Officers responded to a report of a person down on Olympic Drive in eastern Clarke County. Upon arrival, Officers discovered a male suffering from a gunshot wound. This individual was identified as Kelvin Savalas McDuffie, age 25. He was later pronounced deceased.
A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the offender(s).
If you have information regarding this investigation, you are asked to contact the Athens-Clarke County Police Department at coldcaseunit@accgov.com or 706-705-4775.
Amelia Deborah Hector, 2002-00090200
On September 3, 2002, at 5:33 PM, Officers discovered a deceased female in a wooded area behind a home on Branch Street. The female was identified as Amelia Deborah Hector, age 44.
A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the offender(s).
If you have information regarding this investigation, you are asked to contact the Athens-Clarke County Police Department at coldcaseunit@accgov.com or 706-705-4775.
Janie Mae Weaver, 2001-00082284
On August 27, 2001, at 4:13 PM, Officers responded to a wooded area off North Billups Street in central Athens. Upon arrival, Officers discovered the body of a deceased female. The female was identified as Janie Weaver, age 49.
A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the offender(s).
If you have information regarding this investigation, you are asked to contact the Athens-Clarke County Police Department at coldcaseunit@accgov.com or 706-705-4775.
Carlos Ramone Brightwell, 2001-00010372
On January 6, 2001, at 10:50 PM, Officers responded to a report of discharging firearms followed by a reported person down in the Athens Garden Apartments located on Coleridge Court. Upon arrival, Officers discovered a male subject, later identified as Carlos Ramone Brightwell, age 17, who had been shot. Brightwell was pronounced deceased at the scene.
A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the offender(s).
If you have information regarding this investigation, you are asked to contact the Athens-Clarke County Police Department at coldcaseunit@accgov.com or 706-705-4775.
Alfredo Vargas, 1999-00082278
On August 28,1999, Athens Clarke County Police responded to an unknown problem in the Kathwood Townhomes off Kathwood Drive. Upon arrival they discovered a shooting victim lying on a floor within one of the apartments. The victim, later identified as Alfredo Vargas, age 33, later died from his injuries.
A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the offender.
If you have any information regarding this investigation you are asked to contact the Athens Clarke County Police Department at coldcaseunit@accgov.com or 706-705-4775.
Rowland Sussewell, 1999-00022014
On February 27, 1999, Athens Clarke County Police responded to a report of a shooting in the area of Vine Street. Upon arrival officers found a male subject, later identified as Rowland Sussewell (age 41) lying in the roadway. Sussewell died from a gunshot wound.
A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the offender.
If you have any information regarding this investigation you are asked to contact the Athens Clarke County Police Department at coldcaseunit@accgov.com or 706-705-4775.
Ernest Bernard Dean, 1996-11-2163
On November 29, 1996 at 0328hrs. Athens Clarke County Police Department responded to a report of a man down on Magnolia Street. Upon arrival the officer located a male subject deceased at the front door of a home. The victim was later identified as, Ernest Bernard Dean (Age 38) was the victim of a homicide.
A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the offender.
If you have any information regarding this investigation you are asked to contact the Athens Clarke County Police Department at coldcaseunit@accgov.com or 706-705-4775.
Linda Coleman, 1996-000900585
On September 08, 1996 @ 11:00AM, Athens Clarke Police responded to 300 block of Arch Street. Upon arrival they located Linda Coleman (Age 31), slumped over in her vehicle, the victim of a homicide.
A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the offender.
If you have any information regarding this investigation you are asked to contact the Athens Clarke County Police Department at coldcaseunit@accgov.com or 706-705-4775.
Edward Lamont Holland, 1996-00121328
On December 17, 1996, Athens Clarke County Police responded to a report of a person shot on Plaza Street. Upon arrival officers found a male subject, later identified as Edward Lamont Holland (Age 23) had been shot. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.
A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the offender.
If you have any information regarding this investigation you are asked to contact the Athens Clarke County Police Department at coldcaseunit@accgov.com or 706-705-4775.
Nakikita Lashonta “Kita” Whitehead, 1996-00072377
On July 29, 1996 @ 1130hrs. the Athens Clarke County Police Department responded to a possible burglary in progress in the Rocksprings Apartments. Upon arrival the officers found Nakikita Lashonta Whitehead, Age 18, deceased in an apartment as the result of a homicide.
A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the offender.
If you have any information regarding this investigation you are asked to contact the Athens Clarke County Police Department at coldcaseunit@accgov.com or 706-705-4775.
Bennie Walter, 1996-00070857
On July 11, 1996, officers of the Athens Clarke County Police Department were dispatched to the 1700 block of E. Broad Street for a reported shooting. Upon arrival officers discovered the body of 84-year-old Bennie Walter in a nearby residence. Walter was the victim of a homicide.
A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the offender.
If you have any information regarding this investigation you are asked to contact the Athens Clarke County Police Department at coldcaseunit@accgov.com or 706-705-4775.
Gwendolyn Taylor, 1996-000700756
On July 09, 1996 officers of the Athens Clarke County Police Department responded to a reported burglary in progress on Sayemore Drive. Upon arrival they were advised that there was a person injured in the home. Officers discovered the body of 26-year-old Gwendolyn Taylor in the home. Taylor and her unborn child died from gunshot wounds.
A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the offender.
If you have any information regarding this investigation you are asked to contact the Athens Clarke County Police Department at coldcaseunit@accgov.com or 706-705-4775.
Jermaine Bledsoe, 1996-000600803
On June 08, 1996 Athens Clarke County police officers on routine patrol heard multiple shots in the area of Henderson Street and Dallas Street. The officers located a large crowd near the intersection and the victim lying injured in the street. The victim 23-year-old Jermaine Bledsoe, was transported to an area hospital where he died from his injuries.
A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the offender.
If you have any information regarding this investigation you are asked to contact the Athens Clarke County Police Department at coldcaseunit@accgov.com or 706-705-4775.
Willie Vester Carey, 1996-05-1152
On May 15, 1996, Athens Clarke County Police officers were dispatched to an apartment on Willow Street in reference to a person down and injured. Upon arrival the officers discovered the deceased body of 61-year-old Willie Vestry Carey. The investigation determined that Mr. Carey was the victim of a homicide.
A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the offender.
If you have any information regarding this investigation you are asked to contact the Athens Clarke County Police Department at coldcaseunit@accgov.com or 706-705-4775.
Clarence Bernard Mattox, 1996-00041935
At midnight on April 24, 1996, Athens Clarke County Police officers responded to a reported injured pedestrian on Ruth Street. Upon arrival the officers discovered 26-year-old, Clarence Bernard Mattox lying in the roadway. The victim died enroute to the hospital from a gunshot wound.
A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the offender.
If you have any information regarding this investigation you are asked to contact the Athens Clarke County Police Department at coldcaseunit@accgov.com or 706-705-4775.
Pearlie “Buck” Johnson, 1996-00010774
On January 12, 1996, officers of the Athens Clarke County Police Department responded to the offices of the Athens Cab Company on Stevens Street in reference to a person injured. Upon the officer’s arrival the discovered Pearlie “Buck” Johnson (Age 69) lying on the floor, the victim of a homicide.
A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the offender.
If you have any information regarding this investigation you are asked to contact the Athens Clarke County Police Department at coldcaseunit@accgov.com or 706-705-4775.
Khoria Demias Booker, 1996-00010155
On January 03, 1996, @ 0300 hrs. Athens Clarke County Police responded to a report of a person down on the side of the intersection of Inverness Rd and Tallassee Road. Upon arrival officers discovered 19-year-old, Khoria Demias Booker suffering from a head injury. The victim was transported to the local hospital where he died from his injuries. The investigation determined that Booker was the victim of a homicide.
A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the offender.
If you have any information regarding this investigation you are asked to contact the Athens Clarke County Police Department at coldcaseunit@accgov.com or 706-705-4775.
Harold Gene Byrum, 1994-000300346
On March 05, 1994, a body was discovered in the Oconee River in East Athens. The body was later identified as that of 60-year-old, Harold Gene Byrum. Byrum had been reported missing to the Oconee County Sheriff’s Department in December 1993. The cause of death was ruled a homicide.
A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the offender.
If you have any information regarding this investigation you are asked to contact the Athens Clarke County Police Department at coldcaseunit@accgov.com or 706-705-4775.
Robert “Robbie” Bryant and Genelle Helms, 94-000101314
0n January 21, 1994, Athens Clarke County Police responded to Michele Drive in response to a possible homicide. Upon arrival officers discovered the bodies of 23-year-old Robert D. “Robbie” Bryant, and 23-year-old Genelle D. Helms inside of a duplex apartment. The victims were both shot multiple times.
A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the offender.
If you have any information regarding this investigation you are asked to contact the Athens Clarke County Police Department at coldcaseunit@accgov.com or 706-705-4775.
Darlene Crystal Hall, 93-01-1678
On January 26, 1993, Officers of the Athens Clarke County Police Department were dispatched to Sartain Drive in reference to a found body. Upon arrival, it was determined that 19-year-old Darlene Crystal Hall, was the victim of a homicide.
A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the offender.
If you have any information regarding this investigation you are asked to contact the Athens Clarke County Police Department at coldcaseunit@accgov.com or 706-705-4775.