By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Police arrest fourth homicide suspect
Rico
Fredrico C. Mikell
Statesboro Police investigators have four Waycross men in custody they say were involved in a shooting incident Saturday that left one dead and two injured.
    Waycross Police SWAT team members took Frederico C. Mikell, 30, Waycross, into custody Sunday, a fact Statesboro police did not disclose until Thursday morning. Police spokesmen told the Statesboro Herald Tuesday they were seeking two suspects in the shooting: Marcus Maurice Benbow, 39, and Bryan Lazarus Hughley, 34, both of Waycross.
    Thursday morning, police revealed Mikell's identity, as well as the identity of a suspect still at large at the time, Kendell Jerrell Worthy, 20, Waycross.
    Benbow was captured around 1 p.m. Wednesday after an anonymous tip to Waycross Police led to his location, where he was arrested by Blackshear Police, York said.
    Hughley turned himself in to Waycross Police around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, he said.
    Worthy was arrested Thursday morning, said Statesboro Police Capt. L. C. Williams.
      Information about Mikell and Worthy was not released before Thursday due to ongoing investigations and because charges had not been filed at the time,  he said.
    All four men are charged with murder, aggravated battery (two counts), armed robbery (six counts), and possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime (two counts),  said Statesboro Police Chief Stan York.
    The men are suspected of opening fire at an Orange Street residence early Saturday morning, killing  Corey Oneil Walker, 21, and seriously injuring Chalandria McClouden, 30, and James L. Williams, 43, both of Statesboro.
Sign up for the Herald's free e-newsletter
Bulloch County Teacher of the Year Heather Gonzales to keynote OTC graduation
Commencement set for May 15 inside Hanner Fieldhouse
Heather Gonzales
Heather Gonzales

Ogeechee Technical College alumna and 2024-2025 Bulloch County Teacher of the Year Heather Gonzales will offer the commencement address at OTC’s graduation May 15 ceremony set for 7 p.m. at Hanner Fieldhouse.

Gonzales began her educational path at Ogeechee Tech, where she earned an associate degree in Early Childhood Care & Education. She continued her studies at the University of Alaska – Fairbanks as a ceramics major, later transferring to Georgia Southern University in 2004 to complete her bachelor’s degree in Art Education.

“Heather Gonzales embodies the spirit of Ogeechee Technical College,” said Christy Rikard, VP for Student Affairs. “She is resilient, creative, and committed to making a difference. Her story is a powerful reminder to our graduates that every path is unique, and that passion and perseverance can lead to extraordinary impact.”

Currently serving as a visual arts instructor at Southeast Bulloch Middle School, Gonzales brings 14 years of experience to the classroom, including 12 within Bulloch County Schools. Her commitment to nurturing young minds through artistic expression recently earned her the prestigious honor of Bulloch County Schools Teacher of the Year.

Her approach to teaching is deeply influenced by her personal experience with dyslexia. 

As a student who struggled in traditional academic settings, Gonzales found refuge and confidence through art.

Sign up for the Herald's free e-newsletter