Thirty-four years and four days after Timothy Coggins' body was found along a grassy stretch of land in Spalding County, five people were arrested in connection with his death.
Here is what you need to know:
- Race has emerged as a motive. Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Ben Coker said Coggins was killed because he was socializing with a white female. Coggins was last seen on Oct. 7, 1983 leaving a bar with a white woman. He got into a car with three men.
- The killing was particularly violent. The 23-year-old was brutally sliced and stabbed with multiple cuts to his neck, back, and stomach. Authorities say Coggins was dragged behind a truck. Spalding County's sheriff described the gruseome slaying as "overkill" that appeared to be aimed at sending a message.
- Coggins' murder — and the ensuing cover up — have centered largely on one family. Frank Gebhardt, 59, was one of two men charged with killing Coggins. His sister and nephew were charged with trying to help him avoid prosecution. The nephew, Lamar Bunn, was a police officer.
To learn more about the case read the full story on MyAJC.com
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