Gainesville police make arrest in 11-year-old slaying

HALL COUNTY, Ga. — Gainesville police made an arrest in an 11-year-old murder case while investigating another attack.

Shortly after midnight Wednesday, Gainesville police were called to the area between Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and High Street regarding an attack. Police said based on the female victim's description, they tracked down took 40-year-old Daniel Lee Mason III.

Police later connected Mason to the killing of 37-year-old Gainesville resident Crystal Barnette. Police said she was attacked in 2001 in the same area of the Wednesday attack, and there were many other similarities. Further details were not given.

"This is a case that has weighed heavy on many hearts, including the victim's family and friends, as well as members of the Gainesville Police Department and the Hall County District Attorney's Office, as they have worked tirelessly to bring closure to the victim's loved ones," Gainesville police Cpl. Kevin Holbrook said in a news release.

Mason faces several charges, including murder, robbery, sexual battery, theft and cocaine possession. He is being held at the Hall County Jail without bond.

WSBTV