The remains were later identified as Jamal Parker, a 37-year-old Atlanta bartender.
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga. — Tattoo images released by investigators helped connect a body found in Dog River Reservoir to Jamal Parker, whose family watched Tuesday as two suspects faced murder charges.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office first asked the public for help after remains were recovered May 15 from Dog River Reservoir near Highway 166 in Douglasville. Investigators released tattoo renderings before Parker’s family learned the remains were his.
Charles Parker said a woman who used to date his son recognized the tattoos from news coverage and called him. He then gave detectives DNA. Investigators used that information to identify the remains as Jamal Parker, 37, who was known for bartending at Atlanta bars.
Brittany Baker and Mario Barber are now charged with murder. Deputies believe Parker was killed inside a home on Langdale Chase Street in an upscale Douglasville neighborhood. Authorities have not publicly released a full motive, a complete timeline of Parker’s final movements or all evidence they say links the defendants to the killing.
The home search drew attention from neighbors after deputies and crime scene tape remained at the property for days. Investigators removed several items from the home, including what appeared to be a reciprocating saw, surgical gloves, air fresheners and cleaning supplies. A law enforcement source had earlier said the search was connected to the body found about two miles away.
Family members said they were told Parker’s body had been cut up and placed in the reservoir. “And we can’t even have a regular funeral because of his condition,” Charles Parker said. He called the killing brutal and said the people responsible showed no remorse.
Baker and Barber entered not guilty pleas and are being held without bond. They also had been arrested earlier in a large identity fraud and forgery case. Warrants in that matter accused them of having stolen IDs, manufactured documents and tools used to make state-issued identification cards.
As of Friday, the next major step in the murder case had not been publicly detailed. Parker’s relatives continued calling for justice while investigators and prosecutors prepared the case against Baker and Barber.
Author note: Last updated Friday, June 19, 2026.