Gilmer County Sheriff Stacy Nicholson has announced the arrest of three men in connection with the shooting death of Andrew Abernathy of Ellijay on Monday night.
In a statement, Nicholson said Joseph Ledford of Jasper, Tyler Nunez of Acworth and Justin Heard of Marietta each face charges of murder and armed robbery in connection with the case.
Arrests of the three men began just after midnight on Dec. 31.
"I am very happy that we could announce these arrests prior to the end of the year 2015," Nicholson's statement reads. "The joint investigation consisting of Gilmer Sheriff's deputies/detectives and GBI Region 8 special agents was truly one of the biggest examples of hard work, long hours, excellent police work and, most of all, teamwork that I have ever witnessed in my career. A huge deal of credit belongs to the tremendous assistance of the Pickens County Sheriff's Office, Acworth Police Department and Marietta Police Departments."
All three individuals remain jailed, and additional charges are possible.
Nicholson said no further information about the case can be released at this time.
