New Arrest in Gilmer County Murder Investigation: 20-Year-Old Charged with Felony Murder
On Friday, November 15, 2024, 20-year-old Emma Gabrielle Ferguson of Jasper, was arrested after a Gilmer County Grand Jury indictment. Ferguson faces charges including Felony Murder, Possession of a Schedule I Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute, Attempt to Violate the Georgia Controlled Substances Act, Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act, and Illegal Use of Communication Facility (x2).
This arrest is the latest in an ongoing investigation into the murder of 19-year-old Mallory Lyric Warden, who was shot on September 18, 2024, in Ellijay. Warden, who later died from her injuries, was found in a car with a gunshot wound near South Main Street. Investigators later determined the shooting took place on Talona Road in Gilmer County.
Since the incident, several individuals have been charged in connection with Warden’s death.
On October 24, 2024, three more people were arrested: 15-year-old Aspen Leigh Cagle of Ball Ground (charged with Felony Murder and Felony Robbery), 19-year-old Madison Alina Grace Perez of Ellijay (charged with Felony Murder), and 17-year-old Elizabeth “Rylie” Sue Henson of Ball Ground (charged with Felony Robbery).
On September 21, 2024, Anthony Jared Instruza Whisnant, 19, of Ellijay, was arrested and charged with Felony Murder in connection with the case.
Sheriff Stacy Nicholson emphasized that the investigation continues and further arrests are expected. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office are leading the investigation.
