Arrest made in decade-old Athens murder

The following was released this morning by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department:

The Athens-Clarke County Police Department Robbery/Homicide Unit and the District Attorney’s Office announce the arrest of Kevin Maurice Jones (47, Athens) for the 2016 murder of James Mitchell. On September 24, 2025, investigating detectives, with the assistance of the ACCPD Gang Unit and the Drug Task Force, took Jones into custody in the area of Marlborough Downs Road without incident.

James Mitchell (63, Athens) was reported missing in 2016 (Missing Person, 2016-00081622 or 16-08-1622). ACCPD detectives continued their investigation into his disappearance and on September 24, 2025, secured arrest warrants for Murder, Robbery, Aggravated Assault, and Concealing the Death of a Person, leading to the arrest of Jones.

“This arrest is the result of tireless work by our detectives, in close partnership with our District Attorney’s Office, who were committed to finding the truth and seeking justice for James Mitchell’s family, no matter how long it took,” said Jerry Saulters, ACCPD Chief of Police.

Kalki Yalamanchili, District Attorney for the Western Judicial Circuit added, "We appreciate the Athens-Clarke County Police Department's tireless commitment to seeking justice for James Mitchell and his surviving loved ones. We will continue to work closely with ACCPD to hold Mr. Jones accountable for his actions. The passage of time will not lessen our resolve to work together to deliver justice for victims and their loved ones in our community."