GBI charges Hazlehurst man with murder in 1996 killing of Jeff Davis County pastor

JEFF DAVIS COUNTY, Ga - Nearly 30 years after James Hand was found shot to death on the roof of a Jeff Davis County church, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation has charged a Hazlehurst man with murder.

The GBI has charged 47-year-old Zachary B. Harper with one count of Felony Murder and one count of Malice Murder in connection with the 1996 homicide of 54-year-old James Hand.

On June 1, 1996, Jeff Davis County Sheriff’s Office deputies discovered Hand’s body with multiple gunshot wounds on the roof of the Full Gospel Church of Snipesville in Jeff Davis County.

Hand was the pastor of the church.

The initial investigation showed that Hand was repairing the roof when he was shot and killed. JDCSO requested the GBI to help with the investigation after discovering Hand’s body.

The GBI said additional information obtained during the investigation led to Harper being charged in connection to Hand’s death. Over the past 30 years, the GBI’s Regional Investigative Office in Douglas and the Jeff Davis County Sheriff’s Office said they have remained committed to seeking answers in Hand’s death.

Harper serving live on unrelated charges

Harper is currently incarcerated at Jenkins Correctional Facility and serving a life sentence on unrelated charges.

This investigation is still active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Douglas at 912-389-4103. 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.

Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.