Long-cold case shattered as DNA links suspect to savage attack, killing of young woman, investigators say

A Georgia man has been arrested in connection with the decades-old cold case of the rape and murder of a young woman over 40 years ago, authorities announced.   Freddie Lee Granger Jr., 68, is charged with one count of rape, malice murder, aggravated assault and two counts of felony murder stemming from the death of Sandra Kaye Davis, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). Davis was just 22 years old when authorities with the Waycross Police Department discovered her body next to a home on Kollock Street in Waycross on Sept. 1, 1984, officials said.  ‘LOVERS’ LANE’ MURDERS SUSPECT NABBED DECADES AFTER COUPLE FOUND DEAD IN CAR Authorities ultimately determined Davis had been strangled to death. Following the discovery, local officials requested that GBI assist with investigating the case.  The case ultimately ran cold for several decades as authorities continued to investigate. FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X Nearly 42 years later, DNA technology linked Granger to Davis’ alleged killing, officials said.  SIGN UP TO GET TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTER Granger was subsequently located and taken into custody on March 31, according to GBI. SEND US A TIP HERE He was later booked into the Ware County Jail, authorities said.  LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST The Waycross Police Department, Ware County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Department of Community Supervision, and GBI’s Cold Case Unit assisted the GBI Regional Investigative Office in both the investigation and arrest of Granger. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? FIND MORE ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities asking anyone with information to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office at 912-389-401 or submit a tip online.