Maha Christopher
A 34-year-old man has been arrested after the body of a man was discovered inside an abandoned grocery store in the Atlanta metropolitan area of the United States.
According to People, the body of 43-year-old James Connell was found on May 22 by a maintenance worker inside a former Kroger store on Cobb Parkway SE.
The worker reportedly entered the building to investigate a water leak and discovered the body. Police officers arrived at the scene shortly after 10 a.m. local time.
Authorities said the store had been closed since 2024.
Following investigations, police charged Micah Deangelo Garner, 34, with concealing the death of another person, a felony offence.
Garner is being held without bail and was already in custody at the Cobb County Jail on separate misdemeanour charges, including loitering and providing false information to a law enforcement officer.
While the official cause of Connell’s death has not been released, investigators suspect foul play. However, no murder charge has been filed in connection with the death as investigations continue.
In a statement, Connell’s family described him as a kind and compassionate person whose death has left them devastated.
“Our family’s hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of a beloved son, brother, and uncle. James Connell was deeply loved by those who knew him. He was incredibly bright, generous, and compassionate, with a big heart that touched many lives,” the family said.
The family also expressed support for the ongoing police investigation and appealed to members of the public with information to come forward.
“We appreciate and support the Cobb County Police Department as they continue their investigation. We ask that anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please contact the Major Crimes Unit,” the statement added.
Police have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding Connell’s death as the investigation remains ongoing.
