Burke County deputies search new location for missing man’s body

WAYNESBORO, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The search for the body of Burke County missing man Simon Powell resumed this week at a new location.

Authorities searched there all day Monday and resumed the search at 7 a.m. Tuesday. But the search was called off early on Tuesday as deputies worked on something else related to the case – although they wouldn’t specify that other task.

For two days last week, Burke County Sheriff’s Office deputies searched some woods and ponds of Ponderosa Road but didn’t find what they were looking for.

The site of this week’s search was a different pond in an area of interest.

Sheriff’s spokesman Jimmy Wylds admitted that updates on the case are slow in coming.

“This is a slow process. It’s going to take time,” he said.

In the meantime, there are still plenty of questions on what connection the suspect, Stacey Welch, had with Powell.

Welch is charged with murder, armed robbery, and kidnapping.

According to deputies, Welch is still in jail waiting on her court date that is coming up within the next two weeks.

Sheriff Alfonzo Williams says he doesn’t believe she acted alone, and money could have been a motive.

Powell was last seen on June 1, 2016. The next day, investigators found his truck burned.

In all that time, Powell’s family has never given up hope.

In June, the Powell family spoke with us, pleading for answers and clarity.

“We just don’t understand why,” said Juanita Powell, daughter-in-law.

Now the “why” feels more within reach with a suspect in custody.

Welch doesn’t have any past warrants in Burke County, and they did not release the current arrest warrant to protect confidential information in this case.

Powell said: “We need closure.”

SCENES FROM LAST WEEK’S SEARCH:

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