GBI arrests man for murder

Published 11:00 am Tuesday, June 22, 2021

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A Pine Mountain man has been arrested on one count of elder abuse and one count of felony murder, according to a press release from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

On Friday, the GBI arrested Joshua Deandre Grier, 27, on one count of felony exploitation and intimidation of disabled adults and elder persons and one count of felony murder against his grandfather, James Terrel, 89, of Pine Mountain.

Grier is currently incarcerated at the Harris County Jail, per the press release.

On March 23, the GBI Columbus Office was requested by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office to assist in investigating an elder exploitation and death investigation involving the victim, Terrel. The initial investigation identified Terrel’s grandson, Grier, as a suspect in the death of Terrel.

During the investigation, the press release said GBI learned that on Dec. 1, 2020, Pine Mountain Police Department officers were dispatched to 105 Georgia Street in Pine Mountain, regarding an assault.

It was reported that Grier assaulted Terrel, causing Terrel to fall and hit his head. Terrel later died on Dec. 16, 2020. Terrel’s body was transported to the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office in Decatur for an autopsy where it was determined that Terrel died as a result of the injuries he suffered from the fall.

This investigation is ongoing and will be turned over to the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation may contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Region 2 Field Office at (706) 565-7888.

Tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.