News Summary
Significant progress has been made in the unsolved murders of elderly victims Troy Bennett and Cheryl Newsome in Thomson, Georgia. Four suspects have been arrested, following a renewed investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The suspects face multiple charges, including murder and robbery, providing a glimmer of hope for the victims’ families after years of seeking justice.
Thomson, Georgia – The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has made significant progress in a long-unsolved case involving the deaths of two elderly victims, Troy Bennett and Cheryl Newsome. Five years after their tragic murders, four individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, offering some closure to the victims’ families.
Bennett, a 72-year-old veteran and retired firefighter, and Newsome, also 72 and a retired nurse, were discovered deceased in their Thomson home on August 3, 2020. Upon investigation, evidence suggested a home invasion had occurred, leading authorities to suspect foul play. The case quickly garnered attention but stalled due to a lack of leads, leaving the community seeking answers.
In August 2023, the families of Bennett and Newsome reached out to the GBI, asking for a fresh look at the investigation. This request catalyzed a comprehensive review by the GBI Cold Case Unit, which eventually led to breakthroughs in the case. GBI agents ultimately charged four individuals: Randy Hall, age 39; Lora Thornton, age 34; Chance McKenna, age 21; and one minor.
The charges against these individuals include two counts of murder, two counts of armed robbery, and one count of first-degree burglary. Following their arrest, Hall and Thornton are being held at the McDuffie County Jail, while McKenna is detained at the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification State Prison located in Butts County. The identities of the minor suspect have not been disclosed due to their age.
The investigation was a collaborative effort that involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Thomson and the Warren County Sheriff’s Office. Their teamwork has been essential in developing new evidence and strategies to resolve the case after such a lengthy period of inactivity.
Authorities have urged the local community to come forward with any additional information that could further aid in the investigation. Those with knowledge of the case are encouraged to submit tips, either through phone calls or online submissions, as the GBI continues to emphasize its commitment to addressing unresolved violent crimes in the region.
The case of Troy Bennett and Cheryl Newsome is a poignant reminder of the impact of violent crimes on families and communities. The arrests mark a significant step toward justice for the victims and their loved ones, providing an opportunity for healing and reflection within the community. As the GBI continues to pursue justice, they remain focused on promoting safety and trust within their jurisdiction.
As the investigation progresses, more details may emerge about the circumstances surrounding the homicides and the motives behind the violent actions of the accused. The community of Thomson looks forward to the ongoing efforts to ensure that justice is served, reflecting a broader commitment to addressing unsolved cases and protecting the safety of all residents.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WRDW: 5 Years After Warren County Double Murder, 4 Suspects Arrested
- WJBF: GBI Arrests Four Thomson People in Cold Case Murder Investigation
- WSBTV: GA Nurse, Firefighter Murdered 5 Years Ago, 4 Behind Bars
- WFXG: GBI Arrests Four Thomson Residents in 2020 Double Murder Case
- WRDW: Video – 5 Years After Warren County Double Murder, 4 Suspects Arrested
- Wikipedia: Double Murder
- Google Search: Warren County Murder Case
- Google Scholar: Unsolved Murder Cases
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Murder
- Google News: Cold Case Murder Investigation
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
