DNA evidence identifies killer 24 years after man beaten to death, suspect now deceased

Written by: A. Smith

Published November 7, 2025 @ 12:01 PM ET

LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. – Investigators have identified the man responsible for a 2001 murder in Dahlonega nearly 24 years later.

Herman Wilder, 56, was beaten to death with a wooden stake outside his apartment on May 25, 2001. The case remained unsolved for more than two decades.

Lumpkin County authorities confirmed that DNA evidence collected from the murder weapon has linked Carroll Dean Burrell, 41 at the time of the attack, to Wilder’s death.

Burrell was known to have a history of mental health issues and exhibited delusional and violent behavior, the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office said. A suspect was identified shortly after the attack, but was later dismissed.

It has been determined that Burrell is now deceased.

Because Burrell is no longer alive, the district attorney’s office has classified the case as “exceptionally cleared.”