VIENNA, Ga. — Investigators held a news conference Thursday to give an update in the case of Keara Cotton and her missing 4-year-old son, Jayceion.
In the news conference, they described the clearest timeline yet from initial contact to an arrest. Vienna Police Chief Ketorie Sales says the investigation began on Jan. 20.
Thursday, Jan. 20
Sales says police were called by DFCS, who described their attempts to contact Cotton at her home on Spruce Lane. DFCS told them they made several attempts to speak with Cotton, but she wouldn't come to the door and wouldn't bring her children to them.
Friday, Jan. 21
Sales says Cotton asked her mother to pick up her 8-year-old from school and told her she'd bring 4-year-old Jayceion to her later in the afternoon -- but that never happened.
More attempts were made to speak with Cotton, but they could not reach her. At that point, family members were concerned she might be hiding and began to look for her.
Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 22-23
Sales says the Crisp County, Dooly County and the GBI were called to assist. Search warrants were executed throughout the weekend and warrants were issued for Cotton on charges of child cruelty.
Monday, Jan. 24
Cotton was found by deputies in Crisp County and taken back to Dooly County for an interview.
Sales says Cotton told investigators a location where they'd find possible human remains. She remained in custody on charges of child cruelty.
GBI investigators and Crisp County deputies found remains at the address she provided on E. Sixteenth Street in Cordele.
Tuesday, Jan. 25
The GBI says Cotton is formally charged with murder and concealing the death of another.
Wednesday, Jan. 26
The human remains were sent to the GBI's Crime Lab where an autopsy was conducted. They are awaiting results to determine if the remains are Jayceion's.
Thursday, Jan. 27
Sales says they believe the death happened in Dooly County and the remains were left in Crisp County because Cotton was on the run. He could not say how long they had been there or what condition they were found in. He did say they have no other suspects at this time.
This case is still under investigation. If you have any information, you can call in an anonymous tip with the GBI at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477).