PRESS RELEASE
On Sept. 29, 2017, a missing person report was filed with the Douglas Police Department in which Joseph Dewayne Gaskin, a 56-year-old male, had not been seen since Sept. 26, 2017.
Mr. Gaskin was believed to be in the company of Joshua Carl Parrott, a 38-year-old white male. Investigators from the Douglas Police Department were contacted by investigators from the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office who were investigating a theft in which Mr. Parrott was a suspect, and the property in question was located at the residence of Mr. Gaskin.
Investigators with the Douglas Police Department contacted family members of Mr. Parrott who stated he had not been seen since around the same time Mr. Gaskin was last seen. During the investigation by investigators from the Douglas Police Department, it was learned that Mr. Parrot had left the state and had been seen in Middleburg Fla. Mr. Gaskin’s vehicle had also been seen in Middleburg Fla.
On Oct. 7, 2017, investigators from the Douglas Police Department obtained information that Mr. Parrott had traveled back to Douglas Ga., but would only be in town for a short time. Douglas Police Department Officers were able to locate the vehicle in which Mr. Parrott was traveling, along with three other individuals. At approximately 1:48 p.m., officers from the Douglas Police Department conducted a traffic stop on this vehicle near the intersection of S.W. Bowens Mill Rd. and W. Ward St. (Ga. Hwy 32).
On stopping the vehicle, Mr. Parrott produced a small caliber handgun and made threats to harm himself. The three other occupants exited the vehicle and were moved a safe distance away from the scene. Mr. Parrott took no action and made no threats against officers. At approximately 3:13 p.m., Mr. Parrott surrendered to officers from the Douglas Police Department and was taken to the Douglas Police Department to be interviewed.
Mr. Parrott was questioned in reference to any information he might have on the whereabouts of Mr. Gaskin. Information obtained indicated that Mr. Gaskin was deceased and his death had occurred in the county.
Coffee County investigators were notified and responded to the Douglas Police Department.
On Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017, officers from both the Douglas Police Department and the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office located the body of Joseph Dewayne Gaskin in a wooded area off of Wendell Sears Road.
At this time, Joshua Parrott has been arrested in connection with the death of Mr. Gaskin. The investigation is a joint effort between the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office and the Douglas Police Department.
The investigation is still ongoing.
Anyone with any information that would assist in locating this individual is asked to contact the Douglas Police Dept. at 912-384-2222, the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office at 912-384-4227. or the Tips Line at 912-260-3600. Information can also be shared on the Department’s FaceBook page at https://www.facebook.com/DouglasGAPoliceDepartment/ .
