A Pine Mountain man has been charged in connection with his grandfather’s violent death in December.

Joshua Deandre Grier, 27, was arrested Friday and charged with one count of felony exploitation and intimidation of disabled adults and elder persons and one count of felony murder, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

The GBI said it was contacted by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office regarding the death of James Terrel, 89, also of Pine Mountain. On Dec. 16, Terrel died from injuries sustained from a fall on Dec. 1.

Police identified Grier as a suspect in the case and is accusing him of assaulting his grandfather, causing him to fall and hit his head.

Grier is incarcerated at the Harris County Jail.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Rhett Scott hugs his wife, Kelly Scott (left), and his mother, Karen Scott, after being found not guilty of felony murder and other charges in the 2017 death of Eurie Martin on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, at the trial in Sandersville. (Grant Blankenship/Georgia Public Broadcasting via AP)

Credit: AP

Featured

Tracy Woodard from InTown Cares (left) and Lauren Hopper from Mercy Care organization work with residents at the Copperton Street encampment in August 2024. 
(Miguel Martinez / AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez