UPDATE, UPDATE:
Testimony is underway in the murder trial of Frank Gebhardt in Spalding County court. Gebhardt is charged in the murder of Timothy Coggins in 1983. Lawyers gave opening statements on Wednesday morning.
Spalding County Residents Frank Gebhardt, 54, and William Moore Sr., 58 were charged in 2017. Gebhardt is the first to stand trial. Moore initially was to be tried with him, but the defense successfully petitioned a judge to sever the charges. And try both men separately Gebhardt is the first to stand trial.
Sheriff Dix told WKEU news several weeks ago that initially an exhaustive investigation, case went cold. But after new evidence and new interviews surfaced, deputies and the GBI announced the arrested 5 people in Coggins’ murder.
Sheriff Dix said that vital information was found that shed new light on the case and cleared up several missing links in the investigation.
Frankie Gebhardt, 59, and Bill Moore age 58, shown below are accused in what Sheriff Dix called a “racially-motivated crime.”
“In 1983, the two had reputations of being rough, and I think that had a lot to do with the fact that so many people were afraid to come forward and talk about what happened. They were afraid something might happen to them,” Sheriff Dix said.
The Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office has charged Frankie Gebhardt, 59, and Bill Moore Sr., 58, with murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery and concealing the death of another.
Sandra Bunn, age 58, and Lamar Bunn, age 32, above and Gregory Huffman, 47 were charged with obstruction. Huffman, a detention officer with the sheriff’s office, has also been charged with violation of oath of office, according to authorities.
Sandra Bunn and Lamar Bunn, who works for the Milner Police Department, are mother and son, said Spalding County Capt. Dwayne.
Sheriff Dix told WKEU news recently that there will be more facts to come out and more arrests are expected in the case.
WKEU reminds everyone that may receive a Jury Summons for Duty, that it is a binding document and it is in the best interest of those that receive a summon to be sure and report at the date and time indicated at the Courthouse.