Autopsy: Monroe man was shot to death

By Alexis Stevens

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A Walton County man found in a well after being missing for more than a month died from gunshot wounds, the GBI said Wednesday.

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Channel 2 Action News Charles Steven Parker was last seen alive around 4:30 p.m. Jan. 15 in Athens.

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But the autopsy did not indicate exactly when Charles Parker, 25, of Monroe, may have died, John Bankhead, GBI spokesman, said.

"The condition of the body upon autopsy was found to be consistent with the time in which Charles Parker was reported missing on January 15, 2012," Bankhead said in an email statement.

A body found in Oglethorpe County well was identified within hours as Parker, based on a distinctive tattoo, Bankhead previously said. Positive identification of the body will be conducted by the medical examiner's office, he said Wednesday.

Parker was last seen alive around 4:30 p.m. Jan. 15 in Athens, where he traveled to look at a property for a business deal, police previously said. His family reported him missing the following day.

The bank employee's wallet, car and other personal belongings were found in the days after his disappearance, police said. Investigators were able to track Parker's cell phone signal to Oglethorpe County, but then lost the signal and were unable to locate the man.

Two men walking in the area of the well noticed a peculiar odor, then called police Monday after seeing what they believed was a shoe, the GBI said.

No further details regarding the autopsy or the investigation were released Wednesday, Bankhead said.