An autopsy will be conducted Thursday on the Spalding County judge found dead in his car, according to the GBI. But investigators have offered no indication what they believe may have happened to Judge William Johnston.

Johnston, 53, served as the Griffin Municipal Court Judge and was a partner in his law firm.

Johnston left his home around 6:20 p.m. Monday and told family members he was meeting a client in Lamar County, the GBI said. Johnston’s family called police Tuesday morning when they had not heard from him.

Shortly after 5 p.m. Tuesday, the Griffin Police Department contacted the GBI for help locating the judge. The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office later called Griffin police to report that two workers had found Johnston dead inside his vehicle in the area of Jewel Drive and Pearl Circle.

Johnston’s death remains under investigation. A GBI spokeswoman said no further details would be released until the autopsy is completed.

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U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff speaks during a town hall at the Cobb County Civic Center on April 25 in Atlanta. Ossoff said Wednesday he is investigating corporate landlords and out-of-state companies buying up single-family homes in bulk. (Jason Allen for the AJC)

Credit: Jason Allen/AJC