Categories: News

Updated: Arrests Made in Abernathy Murder Investigation

December 28, 2015, at approximately 11:30 pm, Gilmer Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to 74 Brook Hollow Circle in reference to a male subject being shot. Upon their arrival, deputies found Andrew Abernathy inside the residence. He had been shot and was deceased. Gilmer Sheriff’s detectives and agents of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation responded and began an investigation into the death of Abernathy.

Gilmer County Sheriff Stacy Nicholson releases the following information approximately an hour ago, December 31st 2015. Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office announced three arrests in the Gilmer County murder investigation, which began Monday night. The three arrested are as follows:

-Joseph Ledford of Jasper, Ga, is arrested and is charged with murder and armed robbery.
-Tyler Nunez of Acworth, Ga, is arrested and is charged with murder and armed robbery.
-Justin Heard of Marietta, Ga, is arrested and is charged with murder and armed robbery.

The arrests of these three individuals began around midnight, December 31, 2015.

Sheriff Nicholson states, “I am very happy that we could announce these arrests prior to the end of the year 2015. The joint investigation consisting of Gilmer Sheriff’s deputies/detectives and GBI Region 8 special agents was truly one of the biggest examples of hard work, long hours, excellent police work and, most of all, teamwork that I have ever witnessed in my career. A huge deal of credit belongs to the tremendous assistance of the Pickens Sheriff’s Office, Acworth Police Dept and the Marietta Police Departments.”

At this point, all three individuals arrested remain in jail. The investigation will continue to tie up loose ends and further charges may arise before it’s over.

NO FURTHER INFORMATION CAN OR WILL BE RELEASED AT THIS POINT. FYN will update as more information becomes available.

Lisa Pritchard