A routine maintenance check at a closed grocery store turned into a police investigation last month when a worker discovered a dead body.
On the morning of May 22, a maintenance worker looking for a water leak inside an abandoned Kroger on Cobb Parkway SE found the body of 43-year-old James Connell. Police responded to the scene at around 10 a.m. local time. The store had been closed to the public since 2024, according to 11 Alive News.
Authorities have since charged 34-year-old Micah Deangelo Garner with a felony for concealing the death of another. Garner is being held without bail.
According to jail records, he was already in custody at the Cobb County Jail since May 10 on separate misdemeanor charges, which include loitering, prowling, and giving a false name, address, or birthdate to a police officer. It is not currently known if Garner has a lawyer.
Police have not released Connell’s official cause of death, but investigators suspect foul play. So far, nobody has been charged directly in connection with the death itself.
Connell’s family released a public statement regarding the loss and asked for help from the community.
“Our family’s hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of a beloved son, brother, and uncle. James Connell was deeply loved by those who knew him. He was incredibly bright, generous, and compassionate, with a big heart that touched many lives,” the family said.
“We appreciate and support the Cobb County Police Department as they continue their investigation,” the statement continued. “We ask that anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please contact the Major Crimes Unit at 770-499-3945. We respectfully request privacy for our family during this difficult time.”
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