For 11 years, the identity of Crystal Barnette’s killer has remained a mystery.
Now law enforcement authorities believe they have solved the case.
Five days ago, the Atlanta man now charged with Barnette’s death allegedly returned to the scene of the crime where, Gainesville police said, he assaulted another woman.
The similarities between the attacks were stark, investigators said. In both cases, the victims were picked up off the street, taken to a vacant lot and beaten, Gainesville Police Cpl. Kevin Holbrook said.
“We’re talking less than a city block away,” Holbrook said.
This time, the victim — whose name is being withheld by police — survived, providing investigators with a clear description of her alleged assailant. Within hours, 40-year-old Daniel Lee Mason III was arrested and charged in the attack.
He immediately became the prime suspect in the death of 37-year-old Barnette. By Friday, he was charged with her murder.
“It came down to good, old-fashioned police work,” Holbrook said.
Details of the investigation haven’t been released, but Holbrook said Mason had recently returned to the Gainesville area, where he spent part of his childhood. Detectives believe the suspect knew both victims.
Mason is being held without bond at the Hall County Jail. He is charged with murder, two counts of aggravated assault, aggravated battery, robbery by force, sexual battery, theft by taking, cocaine possession and providing false information to police.
“This is a case that has weighed heavy on many hearts …. and it is our sincere hope that some closure has been brought to (Barnette’s) loved ones,” Holbrook said.
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