In what was described as a senseless act of violence, 39-year-old Anthony Wilborn of Phenix City, Alabama, lost his life on October 21, 2020. His truck was discovered on the side of Lonesome Pine Road with the hood up and the engine still running. It was a scene that would eventually unravel a story of a Good Samaritan falling victim to a deadly trap.
Authorities believe that Wilborn, a male, had stopped to help two men who appeared to be stranded with car trouble. The men, who Wilborn was acquainted with, allegedly flagged him down for assistance with a jump-start. Investigators stated that a struggle ensued when Wilborn got out of his vehicle to help, during which he was overpowered and shot. The motive appeared to be robbery, as the assailants believed Wilborn was carrying a large amount of cash for a new home he was building.
Nearly a month after his disappearance, Wilborn's badly decomposed body was discovered in a creek in the rural area of Hatchechubbee. The condition of his remains presented significant challenges to the initial investigation. However, a breakthrough came through DNA evidence that was crucial in solving the case.
Following a month-long investigation, the Russell County Sheriff's Office announced the arrests of two suspects from Phenix City. Gary Cochran, 46, and Juavon Marquise Williams, 26, were taken into custody and faced capital murder charges in connection with Wilborn's death. Authorities also located and seized the gray Nissan Sentra they believe was used to transport Wilborn from the location of the initial attack to where his body was ultimately found.
