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GBI searches home of man at center of overturned conviction in 1985 double murder

WAYNESVILLE, Ga. – The Georgia Bureau of Investigation on Thursday executed a search warrant at the home of Erik Sparre and his mother, who was found dead last month. Dennis Perry was found guilty of those murders, but a judge overturned that conviction after the GBI reopened the case. Agents continue to work to determine what involvement Erik Sparre had in the Swain’s deaths. “That weekend, my brother was with me.”Despite DNA evidence, Erik Sparre has not been named a suspect in the Swain murders. The words that Head said he recalled were similar to those his family told police that Erik Sparre used in 1986.

GBI reports rise in child sexual exploitation cybertips since schools closed

The Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force made 49 arrests in March and April, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. By comparison, in April 2019, the GBI received 587 cybertips from the NCMEC. Since March 16, when Georgia schools ended in-person classes, the GBI has arrested 15 people accused of possession, distribution or production of child sexual abuse images. Additional information related to internet safety education and tips to keep children safe online can be found at visit www.netsmartz.org. If you suspect or have information related to the abuse or exploitation of a child, call your local law enforcement agency or contact the NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST or www.missingkids.org.

GBI arrests man who filmed Ahmaud Arbery’s killing

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has arrested the man credited with filming the shooting of Ahmaud Arbery, the 25-year-old man whose death has sparked unrest after video of his killing surfaced this month. GBI agents are still inside William Roddy Bryan’s home after his arrest for felony murder. McMichael said another man, identified only as “Roddy” tried to “block (Arbery) which was unsuccessful,” the report said. It shows one man standing in the bed of the truck while another is positioned near the driver’s side door. Arbery can be seen punching a man holding what appears to be a shotgun, who fires a third shot.

GBI: Woman killed, 4 others shot in predawn gunfire near Folkston

FOLKSTON, Ga. – Three women were shot outside the American Legion post in Charlton County early Sunday morning minutes before two men were shot a mile away at a Flash Foods store, the Georgia Department of Law Enforcement said Monday. The second shooting took place 15 minutes later at the convenience store at the intersection of Martin Street and Highway 301. The GBI said the victims of the second shooting had been at the American Legion post earlier in the evening. According to the Charlton County Herald, about 100 people were at a party at the American Legion when the first officers arrived. Anyone with information about either incident is asked to contact the Charlton County Sheriff’s Office at 912-496-7321, the Folkston Police Department at 912-496-2563 or the GBI at 912-729-6198.