Third Suspect Arrested in Northeast Forsyth County Homicide Case

Forsyth County law enforcement announced the arrest of a third suspect in the death of a 35-year-old man whose body was discovered in northeast Forsyth County on January 8, 2026. The latest arrest brings closure to a significant phase of an investigation that drew state and federal resources and underscores efforts to address violent crime in the county.

Earlier in the inquiry, investigators took two individuals into custody, identified as Tonya Tidwell and Ryan Spark. The third suspect, Jimmie Lee Winkles, was located and arrested with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force and authorities from neighboring Banks County. Authorities charged the suspects with aggravated assault and felony murder; prosecutors will determine next steps as the case moves forward.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Scene Unit processed the scene and transported the victim’s body for autopsy to determine cause and manner of death. Investigators conducted on-scene evidence collection and follow-up interviews as part of a coordinated response among local, state, and federal agencies. Law enforcement officials described the operation as the result of standard investigative work combined with fugitive-apprehension resources to locate a suspect who had crossed jurisdictions.

For residents of Forsyth County, the arrests represent a significant law enforcement response to a violent incident in a part of the county that many view as predominantly residential and community centered. The visible involvement of the U.S. Marshals Service and the GBI signals both the seriousness of the charges and the multiagency approach required when suspected offenders move beyond county lines. In the short term, investigators may increase patrols and community outreach as they continue to collect evidence and prepare the case for prosecution.

The autopsy results and formal charging documents will shape the prosecution timeline and possible court proceedings. As the investigation progresses, local officials encourage anyone with information relevant to the case to contact Forsyth County law enforcement to assist ongoing inquiries.

This case also underscores larger issues facing growing suburban counties: the need for robust investigative coordination, the importance of information-sharing across jurisdictions, and the community impact when violent incidents occur. Forsyth County residents can expect continued updates from local authorities as prosecutors file charges and as the criminal justice process advances.