ALBANY, Ga. — A heartbreaking missing-person case in Southwest Georgia has become a murder investigation after human remains found in a wooded area were positively identified as 18-year-old Samuel Jackson.
Samuel had been missing since June 26, when he was last seen around 8:30 p.m. in the west Albany area. His disappearance prompted an extensive search by law enforcement and members of the community. On July 6, investigators searching for Samuel discovered human remains in a wooded area connected to the investigation. At the time, authorities were unable to positively identify the remains, which were submitted for forensic examination.
More than two months later, authorities announced on Sept. 9 that the remains had been positively identified as Samuel. The case then took an even more devastating turn. According to the Dougherty County Police Department, Samuel’s 23-year-old brother, Jamal Jackson, has been arrested in connection with his death.
Jamal Jackson is charged with murder, concealing the death of another and disposal of a human body. He remains in custody. Authorities have not publicly disclosed how Samuel died, what investigators believe occurred between the brothers or a possible motive in the case.
Police said investigators are continuing to gather information surrounding Samuel’s death, and the investigation remains active and ongoing. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has also been involved in the investigation. What began as a search for a missing 18-year-old has now ended with a family grieving his death and his brother facing a murder charge.
Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to contact the Dougherty County Police Department at 229-430-6600.
The charges against Jamal Jackson are allegations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
