DOUGLAS, GA – The discovery of 18 decomposing bodies at Johnson’s Funeral and Cremation Services in Coffee County has left multiple families in distress, seeking answers and reassurance about the fate of their loved ones. Owner Chris Johnson faces 17 counts of abuse of a dead body following the grim revelation that also included two pets, a dog and a cat, found in states of decay.
The tragic incident unfolded on October 26 when authorities, responding initially to an eviction notice, stumbled upon the unsettling scene. Families now face an agonizing wait to learn the identities of the deceased, casting doubt on the remains they believed they had received.
For the Evans family and others, the shock of the news has added a personal layer of horror. Jeff and Tiffany Evans, fearing for their daughter’s remains, express empathy for all affected, understanding that every individual impacted is someone’s loved one.
Angela Howell, a resident of Douglas, reflected on her disbelief upon hearing the news, noting Johnson’s previously warm demeanor. Others who engaged his services recount similar experiences of frustration, citing unreturned calls and delays in receiving important documentation like death certificates.
Sherri Thomas, one such resident, expressed doubts about the authenticity of the remains she received, while Janell, another resident, shared her prolonged struggle to obtain the necessary paperwork, only succeeding after threatening legal action.
In the wake of these revelations, Coffee County Coroner Brandon Musgrove reassured the community that identifying the bodies and notifying families is a top priority. The unfolding investigation, led by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), aims to untangle the complexities surrounding the case.
The GBI urges those with any information to step forward, ensuring that all leads are centralized to aid in the swift resolution of the case. As the investigation proceeds, further charges against Johnson are anticipated, with the ultimate goal of presenting the case to the Waycross Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.