On September 20, 2006, Jon Worrell discovered his wife, Doris Worrell, fatally shot at their family business, Jon’s Sports Park, in Douglas, Georgia. At the time of her death, Doris Worrell was 39 years old and the couple had three children, all under the age of 12.
Initially, investigators believed that Doris Worrell had been killed in a robbery attempt or due to retaliation for being barred from the amusement park. However, recent developments have led authorities to charge Jon Worrell, 57, with malice murder, felony murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and aggravated battery. He was arrested on Tuesday and denied bond during his first court appearance.
Investigation lead Jason Seacrist stated that Jon Worrell instigated a conspiracy to commit the murder, although it is still unclear who actually fired the shot. Two former employees were arrested shortly after the killing, but charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence.
The case went cold for several years until investigators traveled to Costa Rica and obtained crucial information from the family’s former live-in nanny, Paola Yarberry. This new evidence corroborated years of previous findings, leading to Jon Worrell’s arrest in Maryville, Missouri.
Coffee County Sheriff Fred Cole expressed relief over the progress in the case, emphasizing that it was never forgotten despite the long and frustrating road to justice.
At the time of the murder, the Worrells were experiencing marital difficulties, partly due to Jon Worrell's inappropriate relationship with Yarberry. Fears of losing custody of his children prompted Jon Worrell to seek someone to kill his wife.
After Doris's death, Yarberry was detained by immigration authorities and deported to Venezuela, where she later moved to Costa Rica to join Jon Worrell. The two lived together and raised the Worrell children until their relationship ended a few years ago.
Upon reviewing the case, authorities found that Yarberry was willing to cooperate and provided critical information that had eluded investigators for nearly two decades. She is not considered a suspect in the case.
LeAnn Tuggle, Doris Worrell’s sister, remembered her as an exceptionally kind person, noting that her generosity in welcoming Yarberry into their home may have ultimately contributed to her tragic death.