UPDATE (March 6, 5:10 p.m.): According to an update from Newton County Sheriff's Office Spokesperson Jeff Alexander, the body located in the Yellow River March 3 is still unidentified.
"The body is that of a female possibly African American or bi-racial, 12 to 17 years of age," according to the release. "There are no apparent identifying scars, marks or tattoos on the body. Cause and manner of death are yet to be determined by the coroner's office and the medical examiner's office."
Newton County Coroner Tommy Davis told The Covington News the age and race of the body are not confirmed, but just a possibility at this time.
Anyone with information that could assist in identifying this person is asked to call 678-898-0658 or 678-898-0506.
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COVINGTON, Ga. - Newton County Coroner Tommy Davis confirmed a body was found in the Yellow River.
According to a news release from the Newton County Sheriff’s Office the body was located around 5:30 p.m. March 3 “snagged in debris in the Yellow River approximately one-quarter mile south of Rocky Plains Road in Newton County.”
A fisherman reported the body and NCSO responded.
Due to the water conditions, location of the body and darkness, the decision was made to post a deputy at the scene and efforts would be made in the daylight to remove the body. Other resources, including Covington Fire Department, Newton County Fire Department and the Department of Natural Resources, were used to remove the body the morning of March 4.
Upon removal, the remains were transported by Davis. The remains will be transported to the state crime lab for autopsy.
Davis told The News there is no identification, cause or manner of death that can be released.
“The case is still under investigation and pending autopsy results,” he said.
Davis said it is not uncommon for deaths to occur near Newton County waterways.
“We have a lot of water in Newton County,” he said. “Several rivers, an abundance of creeks and ponds, along with Lake Varner and Jackson Lake all located here. It is not uncommon for deaths to occur in and along these waterways.”
