Georgia Man Charged with Wife's Murder 19 Years Later

Georgia Man Charged with Wife's Murder 19 Years Later

3 minute read
Published: 5/26/2025

After nearly 19 years, Jon Worrell has been charged with the murder of his wife, Doris, who was shot at their Douglas, Georgia sports park in 2006, following a breakthrough in the investigation.

The charging of Jon Worrell marks a significant development in a long-unsolved case that initially appeared to be a robbery gone wrong. Investigators believe Worrell conspired to kill his wife amid fears of losing custody of their children, and recent cooperation from a former nanny has led to renewed scrutiny of his actions. Worrell now faces multiple serious charges, including malice murder and conspiracy to commit murder, as authorities continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding Doris Worrell's tragic death.

Doris Worrell was found shot to death in an office at 'Jon's Sports Park' on the afternoon of March 23, 2006. At the time, investigators believed her murder was the result of a burglary. However, as evidence began to emerge over the years, the focus shifted toward her husband, Jon Worrell.

Initially, Jon Worrell's whereabouts raised eyebrows when he fled to Costa Rica with a live-in nanny shortly after Doris's death. This action fueled suspicions among law enforcement, prompting them to re-examine the evidence surrounding the case. Authorities unraveled an extensive network of information and began pursuing leads that eventually brought them back to Worrell.

In April of this year, a significant breakthrough occurred when investigators traveled to Costa Rica to interview the nanny. When she agreed to cooperate with authorities, her testimony contributed to the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding Jon Worrell’s charge with the murder of his wife.

As a result of this renewed investigation, Jon Worrell was arrested at his home in Missouri. He was subsequently extradited to Georgia, where he faced multiple charges including malice murder, felony murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and aggravated battery. These charges reflect the gravity of the allegations and the years of pain experienced by Doris Worrell’s family.

According to investigators, Jon Worrell was motivated to take drastic actions due to concerns about losing custody of his children if he pursued a divorce from Doris. The alleged conspiracy to kill his wife revealed a depth of desperation and betrayal that shocked both the community and Doris's family.

LeAnn Tuggle, Doris Worrell's sister, expressed profound relief at the developments in the case. She thanked law enforcement for their persistence and dedication over nearly two decades, and fondly remembered her sister as a kind-hearted individual who always put others first. Tuggle's sentiments highlight the emotional toll that the unsolved murder had taken on Doris's loved ones.

In the years following Doris's death, investigators had charged two employees of the sports park with conspiracy to commit murder. However, those charges were later dropped due to a lack of sufficient evidence. This prior development placed a spotlight on Jon Worrell as investigators worked to sift through the complex web of relationships surrounding Doris's life.

Presently, authorities are focused on determining who actually pulled the trigger that killed Doris Worrell. Investigators have clarified that the nanny who traveled with Jon is not considered a suspect, but they continue to explore other leads that may shed light on the events of that fateful day.

Jon Worrell was denied bond during his first court appearance after returning to Georgia. This decision reinforces the seriousness of the charges against him and the legal implications associated with such a longstanding case. His appearance in court marks a pivotal moment for the Worrell family, who have waited nearly two decades for accountability and answers.

As the trial progresses, the Douglas community remains in mourning for Doris Worrell, who was not only a victim of a crime but also a cherished member of the local community. The long-awaited charges against her husband, Jon Worrell, bring an opportunity for justice.