Suspect pleads guilty to participation in Tina Prince’s disappearance

SANDERSVILLE, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The disappearance case of a Washington County first-grade teacher has a new update over a year later.

After a week of searching for the missing teacher, deputies found her body in the woods in Washington County in 2021.

Tina Prince died with fentanyl and an antidepressant in her system. Since then, family and friends have been waiting for closure.

Aaron Adams is the man last seen with Prince the night she went missing.

MORE COVERAGE:

• Washington County sheriff details indictment in Tina Prince case
• Questions remain after discovery of missing teacher’s body
• Body found in search for missing teacher; arrest has been made

He pleaded guilty to his involvement in her disappearance, bringing closure to a nearly two-year-long saga.

Investigators believe Prince overdosed, and Adams concealed her death, dumped her body in the woods, and lied about it when questioned.

We spoke to District Attorney Tripp Fitzner about Wednesday’s plea. He hopes this will give the family some peace.

“There’s nothing that the criminal justice system can do to make this family whole. You know, I hope that it gave them some closure. Um, it was a terrible situation. We’re glad to see that justice is done,” he said.

Authorities tell us the search for Prince went on for much longer than it had to because of Adams’ false statements and lack of cooperation.

He’s been charged with one count of concealing the death of another and six counts of false statements. A judge sentenced him to 40 years.

Just from reading Facebook comments, the family says they are happy with Adams’ sentence, and right now, they need time to be with each other and grieve.

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