The Canton Police Department is addressing community concerns after three deceased bodies were located over the span of the last 5 months, in Canton, Georgia.
On June 21, 2022,
Officers recovered the body of 42-year-old, William Watkins near Reformation
Parkway and Waleska Street, in the wood line. The GBI Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the case a
homicide. On July 8, 2022, Canton Detectives secured a felony murder warrant
for the arrest of Jacob Huckabay, in connection with the death of William
Watkins. Huckabay is being held in custody and awaiting trial.
On July 16,
2022, Officers recovered the body of Pedro Hernandez-Santiago upstream, in the
Etowah River, near Brown Street, North of Waleska Street. An autopsy was
performed by the GBI Crime Lab. Upon completion of the autopsy, the GBI Medical
Examiner’s Office ruled the cause of death to be drowning with the manner of death
being accidental. The toxicology report detailed that methamphetamine was present. There have been no investigative details to
show foul play was involved, as the autopsy detailed the absence of trauma to
the body.
As reported
yesterday, November 17, 2022, human skeletal remains were recovered near Reformation
Parkway and Waleska Street, in overgrown vegetation being cleared by the property owner. The investigation is in its early stages, and there
are minimal details to provide at this time. The human skeletal remains will be
turned over to the GBI Crime Lab for further examination and possible
identification.
The Canton PD can confirm the Hernandez-Santiago case is not related to other cases mentioned above. Regarding the case involving the human skeletal remains
recovered yesterday, Detectives are actively investigating to determine if
there are any connections to the William Watkins homicide case. Further details
will be provided as the investigation progresses and will be made available.
The Canton
Police Department would like to emphasize there is no active threat to the public.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Canton Police Department at
770-720-4883.
