Family, friends speak after the arrest of man for the death of Doris Worrell

Coffee County, Ga. (Walb) – Doris Worrell was killed in Jons Sportpark on September 20, 2006, a family business that she shared with her husband.

Her case stayed for almost 20 years, and many in the community suspect a foul from the start.

According to the Coffee County Sheriff's Office, Jon Worrell was arrested in Missouri at the beginning of this week. The arrest came just two days after Doris's 57th birthday.

Family and friends say that the arrest brings a rush of emotions, but also a new sense of justice.

“It's here. We fought the fight and didn't give up,” said Doris' sister Leann Tuggle. “This is the day we have been waiting for for almost 20 years.”

Lisa Hays, former classmate of Doris, says that the arrest is a big step, but not the end of the street.

“The closure will come when the verdict is read,” said Hays. “The agents always said that they would not arrest if they did not have enough evidence of a conviction. The conviction we want to see is that Jon Worrell owes his wife murdered.”

For Tuggle, this moment is not just about justice, but also about healing. She hopes that this arrest will lead to reconciliation in the family after years of distance.

“One day you will see what I'm saying now and hopefully we can be together again. There are no hard feelings. We missed them, we have prayed for you and we want to see her,” she said.

A press conference will take place on Friday, May 23, at 10:30 a.m. in the Coffee County Sheriff's office

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