Cumming Man Found Murdered in His Deer Processing Business

A 60-year-old Cumming man was found murdered Sunday night in his deer processing business in Hancock County, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).

The body of Nelson Garner was found by a relative around 9:30 p.m. at Garner’s Grinder located at 18630 Highway 16 in Sparta, Ga. (the business is located about 137 miles from Cumming, between Atlanta and Augusta). 

Garner who operated and stayed at the business during hunting season, but was a resident of Cumming, was last seen alive at 4 p.m. yesterday [Sunday].

"Hancock County is known as a great deer hunting area," said John Bankhead, spokesperson with GBI. "He ran that business with his brother."

Bankhead told Cumming Patch that when Garner's wife was unable to reach her husband, she became concerned and contacted the brother.

"The brother went over to Sparta and found his body about 9:30 last night inside the business," said Bankhead.

Agents from the GBI’s Milledgeville Office are assisting in the investigation at the request of Hancock County Sheriff Tomlyn Primus.

"It's being investigated as a homicide," Bankhead said.

An autopsy was conducted Monday at the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office in Decatur. The cause of death is being withheld at this point due to the investigative value.

Bankhead said authorities have been working around the clock since the murder. They are also canvasing the area near the crime scene and would be conducting a road check tonight [Monday].

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Hancock Sheriff’s Office at 706-444-6471 or the GBI Tip Line at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477).

Bankhead added that Ingram Funeral Home and Crematory in Cumming is handling the funeral arrangements.