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Vol 1 No 33 October 25, 2023 Quality News That Affects You Millen, Georgia $1.25
Breakthrough in 35-Year-Old Cold Case:
Yictim Identified as Chong Un Kim
By Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
Millen, GA - In a remarkable turn of events, a 35-year-old cold case in Jenkins County has
finally been solved, shedding light on the identity of an Asian female victim found deceased in
a suitcase. The mystery surrounding her death has captivated the community for decades, but
now, the victim has been identified as twenty-six-year-old Chong Un Kim, of Hinesville, Liberty
County, bringing much-needed closure to her family.
The journey to identify Jane Doe began in November 2021 when WJBF aired a cold case
segment, highlighting the discovery of human remains by a local resident. The victim, previously
known only as Jane Doe, was described as a 20-30-year-old Asian female, standing at five feet
five inches tall and weighing 140 pounds. Her body had been found wrapped with plastic and
duct tape inside a large, nylon suitcase, which had been cruelly discarded in a dumpster just
north of Millen, GA. The victim had been deceased for approximately four to seven days, and
the cause of death was detemiined to be asphyxiation.
For over three decades, this unidentified individual haunted law enforcement agencies and
the community alike. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) was called in to assist with the
case in 1988, and an extensive investigation was launched. Fingerprints and dental records were
compared to records of missing persons from all over the United States. Additionally, a forensic
artist at the GBI created a composite sketch to provide the public with a visual representation of
the victim. The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NAMUS) and the National
Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) also contributed to the efforts, releasing
computer-generated sketches.
As years passed and technology advanced, evidence from the case was reevaluated and
submitted to the GBI Crime Lab for further DNA testing. Although DNA profiles were obtained
from the evidence, they did not meet the criteria for entry into the CODIS DNA Database.
However, the turning point in the investigation came in 2023 when the GBI decided to partner
with Othram, Inc., a Texas-based company known for its pioneering use of Forensic-Grade
Genome Sequencing to develop comprehensive genealogical profiles. The GBI sent forensic
evidence to Othram, and the advanced DNA analysis conducted by the company generated
significant investigative leads that ultimately led to the identification of Chong Un Kim.
In October 2023, after 35 years of anonymity, Chong Un Kim was finally given her name back, and her family was informed of the long-awaited breakthrough. This momentous
revelation not only closes a chapter on a decades-old mystery but also highlights the power of cutting-edge forensic technology and the dedication of law enforcement agencies in their
pursuit of justice. “This is a great day, the GBI has done a great job and Jenkins County is ready to assist them in the investigation if needed.” Sheriff Robert Oglesby said in a recent
interview. Renetta Dubose, host of the WJBF 6 broadcast. Cold Case said, “this is the first case where we have a positive identification and I am thrilled the media could help bring
resolution to this family.”
The community of Jenkins County hopes that this development will not only provide answers but also help bring closure and peace to the family of Chong Un Kim, who can finally
lay their beloved daughter to rest.
The GBI is asking anyone who may have known Chong Un Kim, or has any information about this case, to contact the GBI at 912-871-1121. Anonymous tips can also be submitted
by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.
Advanced in
Person Voting for
Municipal Election
has Begun
By Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
With the highly anticipated
municipal election fast approaching,
Millen residents have begun
exercising their civic duty as
advanced voting commenced on
Monday, October 16, 2023. The
Jenkins County Courthouse has been
buzzing with activity as voters cast
their ballots ahead of the official
election day.
From October 16 until November
3, 2023, the Jenkins County
Courthouse will serve as the primary
hub for advanced voting, providing
residents with the flexibility to
participate in the electoral process on
their own schedule. The courthouse
doors will be open for advanced
voting from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, for those who wish to
cast their ballots early.
Additionally, to accommodate
citizens with busy weekday
schedules, a special Saturday voting
opportunity has been scheduled for
October 21, 2023. On this day, the
courthouse will once again welcome
voters from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., ensuring
that no one is left without the chance
to make their voices heard in this
crucial municipal election.
“These extended voting hours
and the provision of a Saturday
voting option reflect a commitment
to making the democratic process
as accessible as possible to all
eligible voters.” Explains Election
Superintendent Wanda Burke. “The
Jenkins County election authorities
aim to ensure that every resident
who wishes to participate can do so
without encountering barriers or time
constraints.”
Local elections often hinge on
a relatively small number of votes,
making everyone’s contribution to
the process all the more significant.
As such, advanced voting at the
Jenkins County Courthouse presents
an invaluable opportunity for
residents to influence the direction
their community will take in the
coming years.
The Municipal Election will be
held on Tuesday, Nov. 7 from 7 a.m. -
7 p.m. at the Millen City Hall.
Tuesday, October 31
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Monster Mash on Main
Downtown Millen on Cotton Ave
Tuesday, October 31 6-9 p.m
Door to Door
Jenkins County Players Present
a Memorable Hee Haw Show at
Historic Pal Theatre
By Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
Millen, GA - The Historic Pal Theatre in Jenkins
County recently played host to an extraordinary evening
filled with laughter, music, and nostalgia as the Jenkins
County Players brought the beloved Hee Haw Show
to life once again. The performance, held over the past
weekend, was a massive success, almost reaching a sell
out audience, leaving attendees thoroughly entertained.
The Hee Haw Show, known for its iconic blend of
country humor, music, and a good old-fashioned hoedown,
transported the audience back to the 1970s, rekindling
fond memories of the famous television show. The stars
of the show included Elva Mills, Sheriff Robert Oglesby,
Hubert Reeves, Debbie Hearn (as Minnie Pearl), Aiden
Heidler, Briar Lee, Ama Burch, Charolotte Burch, Shana
Godby, Molly Edenfield Farrow, Sarah Woodard, Hank
Williams Woodard, Tucker Woodard, Sue Gillis, Riley
Dority, and the beloved "Rugar" the Dog, along with
Sam Eades, the Production Director for the Pal Theatre,
delivered a delightful and engaging performance.
The Hee Haw Show started just like the original,
complete with the familiar "Hee Haw" song and the
traditional announcement of special guests. The audience
was treated to a fantastic evening of jokes, live singing,
dancing, and even some heartwarming audience
participation.
The performance featured classic tunes, such as
"Harper Valley PTA," "Could I Have This Dance," "Good
Ole Mountain Dew," "Crazy," "Blue," and, of course,
the timeless Hee Haw classics like "Gloom Despair and
Agony on Me," along with the humorous "Gossip Girls"
and "We're Not Ones to Go 'Round Spreading Rumors."
The cast also shared a selection of beloved gospel songs,
leading to a heartwanning sing-along with the audience.
Sam Eades, responsible for the set design, created
a captivating stage that perfectly captured the Hee
Haw spirit. The set was brought to life with the skilled
craftsmanship of Adam Reese from Reese Custom
Designs in Hephzibah. All the wood and paint used
for the set were generously donated by King Rocker of
Rockers ACE Hardware in Millen.
The show was proudly sponsored by The Jenkins
County Times and The Jenkins County Chamber of
Commerce, who supported the event, ensuring that this
timeless classic could be brought to life for the local
community.
The Jenkins County Players, led by Sam Eades, are
already planning their next event, "Pajama Night at the
Pal." This special night will feature a screening of the
beloved holiday film, "The Polar Express," on Friday,
December 21, 2023, at 6:00 pm. Families, children, and
adults are all invited to don their coziest pajamas and
enjoy an evening of games starting at 6:00 pm, followed
by the movie presentation at 7:00 pm. To add to the
excitement, one lucky family with the best matching
Christmas pajamas will walk away with a $100.00
Christmas Cash prize!
Additionally, aspiring actors and actresses in the
community should keep an eye out for tryouts for the next
play, "The Help," scheduled for November this year, with
plans to present the play in early March 2024. Details
regarding tryout dates and times will be announced soon,
ensuring that everyone in Jenkins County can participate
in these fantastic productions.
