LUMBER CITY, Ga. — The GBI is still asking for your help in the case of 25-year-old Devin Jeter, the Navy sailor whose body was found in the Ocmulgee River on Monday.
One week ago, Devin Jeter was at the Atlanta airport renting 2024 silver Jeep compass to take an overnight trip down to his naval base in Jacksonville.
A fisherman was out on the Ocmulgee River near Lumber City and discovered Jeter's body at 12:55 p.m. on Monday.
Brothers LaDon and Rodney Brewer drove by the river when authorities began the investigation on Monday.
"We came out here the day it happened," LaDon said. "They just said they had a male floating in the river near the second bridge right there. Just about everyone in town fishes down here. It's quiet."
While investigators still search for his missing vehicle, many are remembering Jeter as a loving, dedicated sailor.
GBI investigators say an autopsy showed no apparent injuries, and they are still searching for his vehicle.
Family and shipmates have shared tributes to the 3rd class Aviation Ordnanceman in the wake of his death.
Jeter's patrol squadron put out a statement today, describing him as a proud member of their squad during his deployment in Japan:
According to the online tribute:
Jeter's Aunt Debra Smith told 13WMAZ he received the excellence coin from his commander, which highlights his integrity and love for the navy.
She spoke to our sister station in Atlanta.
"Everything that Devin did, he did it to the best of his capability," Smith said. "He excelled at everything. That is just the type of person Devin was."
Investigators do not have any leads so far, but locals like the Brewer brothers don't believe there was any foul play.
"You don't hear about anybody running up to somebody and killing them down here," LaDon said.
Investigators say they are still waiting on forensic test results to find any possible clues to what could have happened.
The GBI is urging anyone who may have seen Jeter or that silver Jeep Compass with the license number EWAG47 between Atlanta and Lumber City to come forward.
You can contact the GBI regional office in Eastman at 478-374-6988 or share tips anonymously to the GBI's tip line at 1-800-597-TIPS.