Arrest Made in 2016 Monroe Cold Case Homicide

The Monroe Police Department, in partnership with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), has announced a major development in a cold case homicide dating back to 2016. An arrest warrant has been issued for 29-year-old Quamell Lamonte Saunders, who now faces charges of murder, malice murder, aggravated assault, and theft by taking in connection with the death of 59-year-old Anthony Myron Sims of Monroe.

Sanders was captured in Wake County, North Carolina, at the 3300 block of Hammond Rd in Raleigh, on Thursday, January 9th, 2025. He is awaiting extradition back to Monroe, Georgia. His bond is set at $1,200,000.

Sims was found dead under suspicious circumstances in 2016 at his home in the 500 block of Baron Drive in Monroe, GA. At the time, police were looking for Sims’ missing 2002 Dodge Dakota truck. A few days later, they located and recovered the missing truck, but authorities did not reveal where. The case, which remained unsolved for nearly nine years, was revisited through collaboration between local and state investigators. The breakthrough came from the use of advanced forensic techniques and community cooperation.

Investigators have not released specific details regarding the evidence that led to the identification of Saunders as a suspect. However, authorities confirmed that recent efforts, including a thorough review of the case file, forensic advancements, and interviews with potential witnesses, played a crucial role in solving the case.

Law enforcement officials emphasized that while this arrest is a significant step forward, the investigation remains active. Authorities are continuing to follow leads and gather additional evidence to strengthen the case against Saunders.

The Monroe Police Department and GBI are urging anyone with further information to come forward, even if it seems minor.

Those with information about the case can contact Special Agent Nic Johnson of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation at 706-552-2309 or via email at Nicholas.Johnson@gbi.ga.gov. Additionally, they can reach Sgt. Josh Reynolds of the Monroe Police Department at 770-652-0612 or JReynolds@Monroega.Gov.

The Monroe Police Department expressed gratitude to the community for its patience and support over the years and highlighted the importance of public involvement in resolving cold cases. They reiterated their commitment to seeking justice for Anthony Sims and his family.