Police Identify Body Found Near Ben Burton Park

ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT MEDIA RELEASE

Sept. 24, 2014

DEATH INVESTIGATION UPDATE

The deceased person found in the Middle Oconee River near Ben Burton Park on September 23 has been identified as Mickey Lynn Mills, 40, of Athens. Mills was reported missing on September 22. On the afternoon of September 23, the Athens- Clarke County Police Department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation responded to Ben Burton Park off Mitchell Bridge Road regarding a deceased person. A hiker called 911 when the body was discovered deep within the park, partially submerged in the Middle Oconee River. The body was recovered with the assistance of the Athens-Clarke County Fire Department. There is no indication of foul play. The body was sent to the GBI Crime Lab for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

TERRORISTIC THREATS OR ACTS / POINTING A FIREARM AT ANOTHER

On September 23 around 5 p.m., officers responded to a call on Atlanta Avenue regarding a female with a gun. A description was given and when officers arrived, they observed a female matching the description. She did not have a gun in her hand. After an investigation, it was determined that Janice James Lester, 43, Comer, GA, was involved in an argument involving several family members when she went to her vehicle, retrieved a pistol, and pointed it while in the holster at a juvenile family member. Lester was arrested and charged with Terroristic Threats or Acts and Pointing a Firearm at Another.

ROBBERY

An Athens man reported to police that on September 23 around 3:30 p.m., he was leaving an apartment at Rolling Ridge Apts when a male asked him to walk over to him. When he approached the male, another male grabbed him and they began to fight. The man’s wallet, containing cash, was taken from him. When he was able to break free, his wife drove him away from the scene. Officers interviewed the man at another location. He was transported to a hospital by his wife for injuries sustained during the fight. The investigation continues.

ACCIDENT WITH INJURIES

On September 23 around 10 p.m., an Athens man was driving a 2013 Hyundai Sonata south on Barnett Shoals Rd near Green Hills Rd. The vehicle went off of the eastern edge of the road, travelled in a ditch for approximately 700 feet, and came to rest on the west side of Barnett Shoals Rd. The man was transported to a local hospital for a complaint of injury. He was cited for No License on Person, Failure to Maintain Lane and Improper Driving on Road.