Georgia Man Arrested in Decades-Old Murder Case After Fleeing to Costa Rica with Family Nanny

Georgia authorities have arrested Jon Worrell, 58, who is accused of orchestrating the 2006 murder of his wife, Doris Worrell, at his Sports Park in Douglas, Georgia.

Following the alleged crime, Worrell fled the country with the family’s nanny, relocating to Costa Rica, according to law enforcement officials.

Worrell faces multiple charges, including malice murder, felony murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and aggravated assault related to the death of his wife, who was 39 at the time she was fatally shot nearly 20 years ago.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) stated that the nanny, who had initially accompanied Worrell abroad, began cooperating with investigators after their relationship ended and he returned to the United States.

The homicide occurred on September 20, 2006, at Jon’s Sports Park in southern Georgia. Early in the investigation, GBI and Coffee County Sheriff’s Office officials believed the incident was either a robbery gone wrong or retaliation linked to a recent dispute at the business.

However, further inquiry revealed underlying marital problems and an extramarital affair between Worrell and the then 18-year-old nanny, who had lived with the family for several years.

Authorities allege Worrell feared losing custody of his three children, all under the age of 12 at the time, if he divorced Doris. It is believed he then devised a plan to have her murdered.

Two individuals, Glidden Rodriguez and Brandon Cage, were initially arrested on conspiracy charges but were later released due to insufficient evidence. Rodriguez has since passed away.

Following Doris Worrell’s death, Jon relocated first to Florida and then to Costa Rica, where the nanny joined him after being deported from the U.S., reportedly for withholding key information regarding the murder.

The couple raised Worrell’s children together overseas.

The relationship between Worrell and the nanny ended in recent years. Investigators traveled to Costa Rica to seek her cooperation, which ultimately led to a breakthrough in the case. Armed with her testimony, authorities arrested Worrell at his residence in Missouri.

“While this case has been long and challenging, we never gave up,” said Coffee County Sheriff Fred Cole. “Justice delayed is still justice. Today, we honor Doris and her family with this important development.”

Officials emphasized the arrest as a reminder that time does not guarantee impunity for those involved in violent crimes.

“This investigation offers hope to families with unresolved cases and sends a clear message to offenders that law enforcement remains vigilant,” said GBI Special Agent in Charge Jason Seacrist. “We will continue pursuing justice, regardless of how much time has passed.”

Doris Worrell’s sister, LeAnn Tuggle, expressed growing suspicion when Worrell moved abroad with the children and refused to disclose their whereabouts. “Why would he move the family and not inform us? It didn’t add up,” she said.

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Tuggle urged that her sister be remembered for her kindness rather than the circumstances of her death. “She was the sweetest person anyone could know,” she said.

Jon Worrell waived extradition and is currently held without bond at the Coffee County Jail.