Athens Man Arrested in 2016 Cold Case Murder

ATHENS, Ga. — Nearly a decade after James Mitchell disappeared, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department has announced an arrest in the case.

On September 24, 2025, investigators with the Robbery/Homicide Unit, working alongside the District Attorney’s Office, took Kevin Maurice Jones, 47, of Athens into custody without incident in the area of Marlborough Downs Road.

Jones is charged with Murder, Robbery, Aggravated Assault, and Concealing the Death of a Person in connection with Mitchell’s death.

Mitchell, 63, was reported missing in August 2016 (case number 16-08-1622) after last being seen near Clarke Gardens. Despite the passage of time, detectives continued their investigation, which ultimately led to Jones’ arrest.

“This arrest is the result of tireless work by our detectives, in close partnership with our District Attorney’s Office, who were committed to finding the truth and seeking justice for James Mitchell’s family, no matter how long it took,” said ACCPD Chief of Police Jerry Saulters.

District Attorney Kalki Yalamanchili echoed that sentiment, adding, “The passage of time will not lessen our resolve to work together to deliver justice for victims and their loved ones in our community.”

Detectives are still working to locate Mitchell’s remains. Anyone with information about his disappearance or the location of his remains is asked to contact Detective Paul Johnson at 762-400-7060 or Paul.Johnson@accgov.com. Anonymous tips can be left at 706-705-4775.

A Crime Stoppers reward of up to $1,000 is available for information related to the case.