Local

Arrest made 4 years after man found dead in well

OGLETHORPE COUNTY, Ga. — Four years after a man was murdered and stuffed in a well, an arrest has been made in connection with the case.

According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Victor Blockum has been arrested for the 2012 murder of Charles Parker.

Investigators said Blockum and Parker were business partners who were attempting to buy a poultry farm together.

Parker was reported missing on Jan. 16, 2012, by his wife. He was last seen with Blockum the day before.

Authorities said Parker’s belongings, including his vehicle, were located throughout Athens following his disappearance.

His body was recovered from a well in Oglethorpe County in February 2012.

“Charles was missing for over 30 days, over a whole month. So we definitely came together as a unit and put things in motion to try and find him,” Parker’s brother, Patrick Parker, told Channel 2’s Tyisha Fernandes.

Patrick Parker, who wrote a song for his little brother, said he’s thankful police arrested Blockum.

“It was amazing to get that information,” he said.

Patrick Parker said his parents have had many sleepless nights not knowing who shot their son.

“My mom is elated. My dad, I know it’s going to provide a sense of relief because if you don’t know, that’s torture all in itself,” Patrick Parker said.

Patrick Parker said his family never doubted this day would come.

“You set out to do something so evil and it backfired on you. It took time, but I can only imagine how uncomfortable he had been living for the last four years waiting on this time to come, knowing that eventually you’re going to be found out,” Patrick Parker said.

Blockum, who was taken into custody without incident by the Athens Clarke County Police Department, was indicted by the Oglethorpe County Grand Jury on charges of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, armed robbery, hijacking a motor vehicle, possession of a firearm during commission of a felony and concealing the death of another.

The investigation remains active and other charges and arrests may be coming, authorities said.