GBI makes arrest in Hannah Bender murder case

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DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has arrested Elizabeth Brooke Donaldson, 21, of Dawsonville. She is charged with tampering with evidence. Donaldson is the fiancee of Austin Todd Stryker, the subject of a nationwide manhunt in connect with the murder of Hannah Bender of Dahlonega.

Hannah Bender murder

Elizabeth Donaldson

Bender’s body was found Wednesday in a partially-wooded, partially pasture-land area on Parks Road in Forsyth County. She was reported missing 11 days ago by her mother Carol Gilreath.

In a press conference Wednesday, Lumpkin County Sheriff said the body was identified by the woman’s tattoos but positive identification will be made following a GBI autopsy. He did not reveal the cause of death.

Jarrard said questions asked by investigators led them to the body. He also said he expects to make other arrests in the case. In addition to Stryker, authorities are searching for 78-year-old Jerry Harper as a person of interest.

Authorities, including U.S. Marshals, are conducting a nationwide search for Stryker and 78-year-old Jerry Harper of Dawsonville. They are believed to be traveling together in a white Ford Explorer with tag PXH 4402.

A post on the West Virginia State Patrol office stated Stryker had been spotted in Clay County, West Virginia this week.

Hannah Bender’s father thanked Jarrard and Investigator Captain Marcus Sewell for their effort to locate his daughter and her killer. He also asked people to stop speculating on social media about his daughter’s death.

Anyone with information is asked to call Marcus Sewell at 706-974-6824.

 

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1 Comment

  1. Randall Jones September 26, 2019 at 9:14 am

    Thought parks rd was in Forsyth county off hwy 306?

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