DOUGLASVILLE, GA – A 37-year-old Atlanta bartender was identified weeks after human remains were discovered in a Douglas County reservoir, a development that led to the arrest of two people now charged with his killing. Authorities say the case began on May 15, when remains were found in the Dog River Reservoir along Highway 166, about 30 miles west of Atlanta.
Mario Andre Barber, 46, and Brittany Amber Baker, 42, are each charged with one count of murder in the death of Jamal Parker, according to jail records. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation confirmed Parker’s identity on June 15 through DNA comparison analysis, after investigators previously released images of a distinctive tattoo in an effort to identify the victim.
Investigators have not detailed how Parker was connected to the defendants or what led them to identify Barber and Baker as suspects. Charges were filed one day after Parker was identified.
Family identifies victim as details emerge
Parker’s family said the identification came after a woman who had previously dated him recognized the tattoo shown in media reports and contacted his father. The father then provided DNA to assist investigators.
“It’s the kind of stuff you see on TV,” Parker’s father told WSB-TV. “They had no remorse.”
Family members said the condition of Parker’s remains has prevented them from holding a traditional funeral. “We can’t even have a regular funeral because of his condition,” his father said.
Relatives described Parker as a well-known bartender who worked at venues across the Atlanta area and was widely recognized in the community.
Search of Douglasville home uncovered evidence
Deputies believe Parker was killed at a residence on Langdale Chase Street in Douglasville. Investigators spent four days searching the home in late May, according to reports, and removed items including a reciprocating saw, cleaning supplies, and air fresheners.
At the time of that search, Barber and Baker were already facing multiple charges related to identity theft, forgery, and drug offenses. Arrest warrants allege the pair possessed stolen driver’s licenses and produced fake identification, license plates, and registrations.
Authorities have not said whether those alleged crimes are connected to Parker’s death.
“The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the public’s assistance and cooperation as investigators continue to pursue all leads in this case,” the agency said.
Parker’s father said he is seeking accountability for those charged. “I want them to be punished,” he said. “And I don’t even think a life sentence is good enough.”
