Elberton Man Charged in 13-year old Murder Case
By David Stephens, WSGC Radio, Elberton
There is no statute of limitations on murder in Georgia and that was proven Friday in Elbert County when authorities announced criminal charges in a 13-year old murder case.
Early Friday morning authorities said they have charged 59-year old Dana martin Grantham of Hartwell with the murder of 67-year-old Jimmy Webb in October, 2000.
Webb was found dead inside his residence off of Cromer Road in Elberton on October 6th, 2000.
Warrants for Grantham were served last Thursday at the Hays State Prison in Trion, Georgia. Grantham is serving a 25-year prison sentence for voluntary manslaughter in the October 2001 death of James Flanigan of Hart County.
In the Webb case, Grantham has been charged with one count of Malice Murder, four counts of Felony Murder, one count of Aggravated Assault, one count of Armed Robbery, one count of burglary, and one count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
“Cases such as this one are a testimony to the resolve of law enforcement to seek resolution in such serious crimes even after over a decade”, said GBI Agent in Charge Mike Ayers. “The arrest of Grantham marks the next step in the final resolution of this case, as District Attorney White plans to forward this case through the Judicial System.”
Since early January, the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office, the GBI, and the Northern Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office have been re-examining the case, which resulted in Thursday’s arrest of Gratham.
“I just would like to openly state how impressed I am with the efforts of the Sheriff’s Department and the things that they have done since they have been in office”, said Ayers. “And of course with Mr. White and his office, with their absolute aggressive stance on crime in this community, and how they have been able to move through some files, which will hopefully lead to more criminal prosecution.”
“I really appreciate the DA’s office and the GBI office, they have really done a great job assisting us, and without their help this day would not be possible that is here today”, said Elbert County Sheriff Melvin Andrews.
Grantham now faces indictment by an Elbert County Grand Jury.