New Evidence Solves Mystery Of Skull, Bones Found In Woods: Cops

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA — Gwinnett County Police cold case detectives have charged David Thacker, 41, in the murder of Michael Jones, who was 54 years old at the time of his death. Jones was reported missing by his family in April 2014. In late 2016, the remains were confirmed to be Michael Jones, and his death was ruled a homicide.

Detectives identified David Thacker as a person of interest early in the investigation. Thacker and Jones were acquaintances and were known to have had a disagreement around the time Jones was reported missing. GCPD detectives and investigators from the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office have worked the case over the past four years as leads have become available. New information was revealed in recent months, which allowed detectives to obtain warrants for Thacker. He has been charged with aggravated assault and felony murder.

Thacker was served with the warrants at the Forsyth County Jail, where he was already in custody on unrelated charges. He has not yet been transferred to the Gwinnett County Detention Center.

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In 2016, several members of the Gwinnett County Police Department descended upon wooded property in unincorporated Auburn after human remains were found. A deer hunter called 911 to report that he found a human skull in the woods along Bailey Road near Union Grove Circle.

A human skull and other bones were discovered about 200-300 yards from the roadway.

Recruits assigned to the 95th Police Academy along with detectives and crime scene personnel set out with the objective to find any additional bones, property or evidence.

Photos courtesy Gwinnett County Police Department