Georgia Man Charged With Murder After Missing Haralson County Man Found Dead
HARALSON COUNTY, Georgia – A weeklong investigation into the disappearance of a Haralson County man has resulted in murder charges against one suspect and additional felony charges against a woman accused of helping conceal the crime.
According to the Haralson County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Stacy Williams received a confidential crime tip on May 22 regarding a possible homicide. Corporal Paige Atkins began investigating, but no missing persons report initially matched the information provided.
The following day, family members reported Richard Cash missing, stating they had not seen him since the evening of May 20. Investigators determined the information in the tip was consistent with Cash’s disappearance and launched an intensive investigation.
Over the next several days, investigators worked with assistance from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the District Attorney’s Office, conducting interviews, canvassing neighborhoods, and using technology to focus their investigation on Robert Anthony “Bobby” Hill.
On May 25, Hill was arrested in Cherokee County after allegedly fleeing from deputies. Authorities said he discarded a pair of gloves containing a .38-caliber firearm before being apprehended with a Taser. Investigators later discovered drugs during a search at the detention center.
Search efforts continued for several days in the Treat Mountain area with assistance from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the Georgia State Patrol, and other agencies. On May 27, investigators discovered a body in a wooded area just across the Polk County line. Authorities believe the remains are those of Richard Cash.
Based on evidence gathered during the investigation, investigators obtained warrants charging Hill with:
- Murder
- Malice Murder
- Felony Murder
- Aggravated Assault
- Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
- Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
- Concealing the Death of Another
- Two counts of Tampering with Evidence
- Possession of Tools for the Commission of a Crime
- Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer
- Obstruction of Law Enforcement
- Crossing Guard Lines with Weapons/Drugs/Intoxicants
- Drugs Not in Original Container
- Reckless Driving
Investigators also charged Christy Nelson with felony concealing the death of another, two counts of false statements, and two counts of tampering with evidence.
“This has been a very difficult and fast-moving case with many twists and turns. I am so proud of Cpl. Atkins and the entire CID unit for the tireless and diligent work they have done over the past week,” Sheriff Williams said. “The man hours spent on this case is high, but the fact that we can give Mr. Cash back to his family to mourn and get justice for them is worth it all.”
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
