Georgia Couple Arrested for Murder After Bartender Found Dismembered in Reservoir

Found in the Water

On May 15, 2026, human remains were discovered in the Dog River Reservoir, a 256-acre recreational lake located approximately 30 miles west of Atlanta in Douglasville, Georgia. Investigators could not immediately identify the victim. They shared photographs of a tattoo on the body and asked the public for help.

Three weeks later, on June 15, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation confirmed the identity through DNA comparison. The remains belonged to Jamal Rashad Parker, 37, a musician and bartender who poured drinks at venues across Atlanta. His family had been searching for him.

‘He loved life and the people he met along his journey,’ his family wrote in a GoFundMe fundraiser created to cover burial costs. ‘He was a musical artist, visual artist, and a professional bartender who enjoyed creating new drinks.’

‘It’s the Kind of Stuff You See on TV’

On June 17, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrests of Mario Andre Barber, 46, and Brittany Amber Baker, 42, on one count of murder each. Investigators believe Barber and Baker killed Parker inside a home on Langdale Chase Street in Douglasville before transporting his remains to the reservoir.

During a multi-day search of the residence in late May, investigators removed a reciprocating saw, cleaning supplies, and air fresheners from the property, according to WSB-TV. Both Barber and Baker had previously been charged in connection with an unrelated identity theft and forgery scheme involving manufactured driver’s licenses and license plates.

Charles Parker, Jamal’s father, was outside the Douglasville courthouse when the pair appeared before a judge on the murder charges. Both entered not guilty pleas and were held without bond. ‘It’s the kind of stuff you see on TV,’ Charles Parker told WSB-TV. ‘They had no remorse.’ He and Jamal’s uncles stood outside chanting ‘Justice for Jamal.’

‘We Can’t Even Have a Regular Funeral’

The Parker family told reporters the condition of Jamal’s remains has made a traditional funeral impossible. ‘We can’t even have a regular funeral because of his condition,’ his father said. ‘I want them to be punished. And I don’t even think a life sentence is good enough.’

It is not yet clear from available reporting how Barber and Baker knew Parker, or whether the identity theft scheme was connected to his killing. The investigation is being handled jointly by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Baker is represented by private counsel. The status of legal representation for Barber had not been confirmed in available reporting at time of publication.

References: Georgia Pair Charged With Murder After Bartender’s Dismembered Remains Found in Lake Outside Atlanta | ‘We Can’t Even Have a Regular Funeral’ - Couple Murdered Bartender Before Chopping Him Up and Dumping Body Parts in Reservoir | Suspects Accused of Killing and Dismembering Man ‘Had No Remorse,’ Victim’s Father Says