Two Decomposed Bodies Discovered Inside Chattooga County Home Near High School; Investigation Ongoing

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TWLN Staff Reporter | The Weekly Ledger News | Area News

CHATTOOGA COUNTY, Ga. — Authorities are continuing an active death investigation after two adult bodies were discovered on Monday, December 8, 2025, in an advanced state of decomposition inside a residence near Chattooga High School, raising questions about their identities and the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office in Chattooga County, Ga. shield.

According to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded late Tuesday night to a home located off Lyerly Highway (Highway 100) after concerned neighbors reported an unusual lack of activity at the residence for several days. Neighbors also reported seeing buzzards circling the property, prompting law enforcement to conduct a welfare check.

Upon entering the home, deputies discovered two adult bodies in the latter stages of decomposition. Officials believe the individuals may have been deceased for an extended period of time, possibly exceeding one year.

Investigators reported no signs of forced entry, and preliminary findings suggest the individuals lived at the residence. Authorities have stated there is no indication of an ongoing threat to public safety.

Due to the advanced condition of the remains, visual identification is not possible. The bodies were transported to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Crime Lab, where forensic testing — including DNA analysis — will be conducted to confirm the identities and determine the cause and manner of death.

Chattooga County Coroner Jeremy “Big Mac” McElhaney addressed the investigation Thursday night, noting the challenges posed by the condition of the remains.

“They were in bad shape and will possibly have to be identified by the medical examiner through DNA,” McElhaney said. “We are pretty certain who they are, but GBI won’t let us speculate since they can’t be identified visually.”

The GBI has confirmed its involvement and is leading the forensic examination. A GBI crime scene technician and agent responded to process the residence and collect evidence. Officials have declined to release additional details at this time due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.

Sheriff Mark A. Schrader emphasized there is currently no safety concern for area residents and said more information will be released as it becomes available. Efforts to notify next of kin are pending official identification.

No identifying information has been released.

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