Johnathan Vann, who was serving a life sentence after pleading guilty to killing three people in 2019 in Atkinson and Berrien counties, died on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, following an altercation with another inmate.
Joan Heath, Director of Communications with the Georgia Department of Corrections, confirmed Vann’s death. She also stated that Vann’s body was turned over to the county coroner and will be transported to the GBI Crime Lab to determine the official cause of death. She added that Vann’s death is being investigated by the GDC’s Office of Professional Standards as is standard procedure. However, stated Heath, additional details are not available due to the ongoing investigation.
On November 19, 2021, Vann pleaded guilty to malice murder in the deaths of Wayne Hackle Jr., Bobbie Lynn Moore, and Mercedes Hackle. He was also charged with arson for burning Moore’s car. The bodies of Wayne Hackle Jr. and Moore were found in Atkinson County while Mercedes Hackle’s body was found in Berrien County. Vann was sentenced to life in prison plus 41 years.
A second individual, Keyante Green, was charged in connection with the murders. On November 19, 2021, he pleaded guilty in Berrien County to malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and concealing a death. He received life plus 40 years. He is serving his sentence at Telfair State Prison.