GBI seeks public’s help in identifying human remains

Commerce, Georgia – The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is asking for the public’s help in identifying human remains that were found near Interstate 85 in Banks County.

According to a press release from the GBI, a skeleton was found in a wooded area near New Salem Methodist Church on Feb. 5 of this year. The church is located at 2170 Highway 59, in Commerce, and the the remains were found one mile south of I-85, Exit 154 for Toccoa/SR 63/Martin Bridge Road. The Banks County Sheriff’s Office called in the GBI to assist with the investigation.

The GBI advise that a forensic anthropological examination estimates the remains to be of an African American/Hispanic female, about 30-44 years of age, and about 4’9’ to 5’6” in height. The date of death is estimated to be up to 4 years prior to the time of discovery. Found among the remains was a metal ring and a butterfly necklace charm. Blue, purple, and gray fabric also was collected from the scene and dental is available for comparison. If you have information that will help in identification, you are asked to call the GBI Athens office at 706-552-2309 or the Banks County Sheriff’s Office at 706-677-2248.

Pictured below are the ring and butterfly necklace charm courtesy of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Information may also be submitted on-line at https://gbi.georgia.gov/webform/submit-tips-online.