GBI Arrests Bowman Man After Woman is Found Dead in Hartwell

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has arrested a Bowman man in connection with the murder of a woman in Hartwell on Sunday.

According to Hartwell Police Investigator Lt. Sherod Blackwell at approximately 9:27p Sunday night officers were called to the Daynight Inn in reference to a female found deceased in one of their rooms.

Blackwell said GBI agents were contacted and took over the investigation.

According to Nelly Miles, Director of the GBI’s Office of Public & Governmental Affairs, the victim is identified as 36-year-old Candy Downer.

As a result of the investigation, GBI agents arrested Matthew Carey, age 41, of Bowman, and charged him with Malice Murder, Felony Murder, and Aggravated Assault – Family Violence.

Carey is currently being held in the Hart County Jail.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Hartwell Police Department at (706) 376-3111 or the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Athens, GA at 706-552-2309.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

Miles said once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Northern Judicial Circuit for prosecution.