A look at the events in the Lake Oconee boating investigation:
Feb. 8, 11:27 a.m.: Westminster Schools teacher Gary Jones picks up his fishing boat in Hogansville, based on Flock camera footage.
12:13 p.m.: Jones makes a stop at a Burger King in Palmetto.
3:37 p.m.: Jones and Joycelyn Wilson, his fiancee, arrive at Fish Tale Marina, where the boat is put in the water at a ramp along Ga. 44, just across the Lick Creek branch of the lake and The Lodge on Lake Oconee.
3:41 p.m.: Jones is seen aboard the boat on the lake. Meanwhile, Wilson drives to the lodge and checks in. Jones then picks up Wilson and the two are seen together on the boat.
5:06 p.m.: The cellphone belonging to Jones pings in the area for the final time.
5:24 p.m.: The Sun Dolphin Pro 120 fishing boat was seen circling near the dam on the edge of Putnam and Hancock counties, according to Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills. By the time wardens made it to the boat, it had run out of gas, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources said.
Feb. 9, 10 a.m.: Wilson’s body was found near where the boat was located, officials said. The GBI conducted an autopsy, but the findings have not been released. Wilson’s phone was in her right hand, and she was wearing a fanny pack containing her ID, some cash and a credit card, investigators later said.
Feb. 12: Sills said his office was taking over the “death investigation.”
Thursday: Sills said a pair of shoes belonging to Jones were found in the water, not far from where Wilson’s body was located. They were found about 15 yards apart.
Friday: The DNR, sheriff’s office and other volunteers resumed the search for Jones, but he was not located.
Saturday: The search continued.
Sunday: Early-morning storms, followed by strong winds, made searching difficult. Sills said a cadaver dog would not be used.
Monday: Sills offered more details about the investigation, including that Wilson’s autopsy had raised questions. He declined to elaborate. A wallet belonging to Jones contained his ID and was found on the boat, the sheriff said.
Tuesday: The United Cajun Navy joined in the search.
Keep Reading
The Latest
Featured