Two suspects charged with murder in death of homeless Athens man
Athens-Clarke police announced Wednesday that two men are charged with murder in connection with the death of man found slain near an abandoned railroad track on Dec. 3.
The suspects, Andre Carthens, 46, and Antion “Blue” Donquese Parks, 31, were both arrested at a homeless camp off Newton Bridge Road in north Athens, according to a police spokesman.
Carthens and Parks are charged with malice murder in connection with the slaying of 42-year-old Jarrard Eric Pittard.
Pittard, who was also homeless, was found dead near the tracks at North Avenue and Willow Street. He was positively identified through fingerprints several days after his body was found, according to Athens-Clarke Coroner Sonny Wilson.
Police would not say how Pittard was slain, nor would they explain a motive, although the charge of malice murder indicates they have established a possible motive.
Detective Hovie Lister, who is investigating the death, has a history with Pittard.
In 2020, court records show Lister arrested Pittard for possession of methamphetamine at a location off North Avenue. However, that charge was dismissed by the Western District Attorney’s Office almost three months later on the grounds that Pittard had a “user quantity” of the drug and those charges would not be prosecuted under the DA’s policy.
At the time of his arrest, Pittard gave an address of Vincent Drive, which is off the Newton Bridge Road corridor.
Previously: Body found dead along rail tracks in Athens has been identified
More: Athens-Clarke police investigate death of man found along rail tracks
Athens-Clarke County court records show that both suspects are currently on probation for criminal convictions.
Just weeks ago in November, Carthens and Parks were both taken before Superior Court judges in Athens on charges that they had violated their probations.
Carthens had pleaded guilty in February 2022 to aggravated assault, robbery by intimidation, obstruction and simple battery. He was sentenced to eight years with 20 months in prison with the remainder on probation, according to the records.
Carthens was charged with violating probation by not reporting to his probation officer. Then on Nov. 7 he was brought before the court where he admitted the violation. At some point after that date, he was released from custody.
Parks was sentenced to three years probation in February for possession of meth, but after he failed to submit to drug screening in September a probation violation warrant was taken for his arrest, according to court documents.
Parks was arrested and in November he also had a hearing a before a judge. He was released from custody, but ordered to complete a drug program and report to his probation officer upon release.
Both men remain in the Clarke County jail without bond.
This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Two homeless men charged with murder in slaying of Athens man
