Authorities hope that the identification of the remains of a war veteran reported missing six years ago will lead to clues in his death.
Jason Roark disappeared back in 2006. He was last seen on surveillance camera a year after returning home from war at a Gwinnett County motel in November of 2006. His vehicle was found at a rest area in Morgan County shortly after his disappearance.
Human remains found a year ago in Morgan County were identified by DNA as Roark, the Morgan County Sheriff's Office said on Friday.
Authorities say that they are starting from scratch with the investigation, interviewing any potential witnesses and pouring through cell phone records and surveillance video.
Roark's mother, Terry, said the family a memorial service two years ago when they gave up hope of Roark or his killer ever being found.
"Even when Jason was in Iraq, Jay would call us every day," said Terry Roark.
Investigators say they know the cause of death and classify it as a homicide.
"Six years somebody still has to remember or know something that's happened," said Terry Roark.
Now as the country observes Veterans Day, the Roarks are finally preparing to bury their son later this week – six years after someone took his life.
"He served two tours, never got a scratch on him and then to come back home and in less than a year someone take his life -- it's senseless," said Terry Roark.
Terry Roark says she still believes the killer will be caught and that her son's body being identified is the first step to finding justice.
"I guess I just need for them to pay for what they did and I need for them to realize that taking someone's life means something. It means something to us, it means something to his friends," said Terry Roark.
Investigators in Morgan County say the key in this investigation is for someone who knows something to step forward.
Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff's office at (706) 342-1000.
Thursday, May 23 2013 11:33 AM EDT2013-05-23 15:33:57 GMT
The fox responsible for biting two Newton County elementary school students while they played on their school's playground remains on the loose.
The fox that bit two Newton County elementary school students while they played on the playground is still on the loose. Animal control authorities tell FOX 5 someone from Rocky Plains Elementary School reported a fox sighting on campus one day before the boys were attacked.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:31 AM EDT2013-05-23 12:31:23 GMT
Later today, Georgia State Rep. Tyrone Brooks is expected to speak publicly about his recent arrest on fraud and tax charges. Brooks was arraigned in federal court on Wednesday.
Later today, Georgia State Rep. Tyrone Brooks is expected to speak publicly about his recent arrest on fraud and tax charges. Brooks was arraigned in federal court on Wednesday.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:32 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:32:32 GMT
As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, we'll pause to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, we'll pause to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It's also a great time to thank veterans for their service to our country—veterans just like World War II American hero Lew Fern.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:56 AM EDT2013-05-23 04:56:30 GMT
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:55 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:55:59 GMT
A local woman says she's trying to rebuild her life after storms hit this past weekend and destroyed her home.
A local woman says she's trying to rebuild her life after storms hit this past weekend and destroyed her home. Just one day later, some of her family members were in Oklahoma near where the tornado hit.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:50 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:50:14 GMT
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground.
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground. Both victims are 6-year-old boys who are in kindergarten at Rocky Plains Elementary School, where the attack happened.
