Georgia Man Charged with Wife’s 2006 Murder After 19 Years on Run

Jon Worrell was arrested nearly 19 years after his wife, Doris Worrell, was fatally shot in their South Georgia business in 2006. Initially believed to be a victim of a botched robbery, suspicion later shifted to Jon, who fled the U.S. to Costa Rica with the couple's live-in nanny, Paola Yarberry, with whom he was having an affair. Investigators uncovered that Jon feared losing custody of his children if he divorced Doris and began recruiting someone to murder her. The case saw multiple arrests that failed to lead to charges until investigators reopened the investigation years later and gained cooperation from Yarberry after her relationship with Jon ended. Authorities emphasize that persistence in cold cases can bring justice despite long delays, as Sheriff Fred Cole stated, "Justice delayed is still justice." Jon Worrell faces multiple charges, including malice murder, felony murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and aggravated battery.