This week we are featuring a 1996 murder case that has drawn the attention of investigators in both Tennessee and Georgia.
The investigation began on Aug. 25, 1996, in a remote area just off Narrows Road near Trion, Ga. The body of 45-year-old Tiftonia resident Janice Marie Burnette Hill was found around 3:15 in the afternoon by two men scouting the area for hunting spots for the upcoming deer season. The lack of physical evidence at the scene led investigators to believe that Ms. Hill was killed elsewhere and her body dumped in Chattooga County. The decomposition of the body and the fact that none of the victim’s clothing other than a pair of tennis shoes was found has further hindered the investigation.
Because of the nature of the investigation no cause of death has been released. Investigators estimated that the body had been there two or three days before being discovered. Unconfirmed previous information received indicates that Ms. Hill was known to be in the areas of East Lake and East Ridge as late as Friday, Aug. 23.
More accurate information confirmed that Ms. Hill was last seen near 37th and 4th Avenue on Thursday the 22nd.
Potential suspects have been developed during the investigative process, but a lack of evidence has hindered police in being able to make an arrest.
There is much speculation that Ms. Hill’s death and the July 1997 murder of Lisa Kennedy in Chattanooga are related cases. The only known factors in this theory are that Ms. Hill and Ms. Kennedy had been acquainted for about three weeks and that they did have mutual friends.
Your new or additional information could be the lead needed to close the case.
Call Crime Stoppers at 698-3333 with your confidential tip. Your tip could be worth up to $1,000.