COFFEE COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) - There was a major update in a nearly 20-year-old Coffee County murder case.

Jon Worrell, accused in the murder-for-hire killing of his wife, Doris Worrell, appeared virtually in court this morning for his arraignment. During the hearing, Worrell’s attorneys stood before the judge and entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.

An indictment filed on June 10, 2025, charges Worrell with:

• Malice murder
• Felony murder
• Conspiracy to commit murder in connection to his wife’s death.

Worrell was arrested on May 20, 2025, in Maryville, Missouri, after more than 18 years of investigation. The arrest came nearly two decades after Doris Worrell was shot and killed at Jon’s Sports Park, a family-owned business in Douglas, on September 20, 2006.

Investigators believe Worrell’s motive was tied to marital issues, including an alleged inappropriate relationship with the couple’s former live-in nanny, Paola Yarberry.

Following the arraignment, Worrell’s attorney Travis Griffin said, “We entered a plea of not guilty because he is not guilty of these charges. He’s been professing his innocence for 19 years and looks forward to the opportunity to show his innocence in trial if that’s what’s necessary.”

The family of Doris Worrell says the journey has been long and emotional. Her sister, LeAnne Tuggle, said she remembers hearing the news nearly 20 years ago and praying for strength to get through it. Now, she says that same prayer carries her through today.

“I’m not very happy, but I understand how the court system works,” Tuggle said. “I’m not surprised that’s the way he pled. But just to know the time spent searching for answers to my sister’s death, and that he’s on the other end of that search. I just have a lot of emotions going through my mind.”

Family friend, Lisa Hays, said agents always told them they wouldn’t move forward with an arrest until they had enough for a conviction.

“There certainly will be a trial. And reliving this nightmare that we’ve been living for 19 years is just part of the process, the diligence, persistence, and dedication of the agents is what’s going to get us the conviction we’d like to see that Jon is guilty of murdering his wife.”

Attorney Griffin said the case is nowhere near finished.

“Next steps will be going before a judge. We’ll have motions argued, and at some point, we’ll prepare for trial. We’re going to vigorously defend Mr. Worrell and present a strong case for his innocence,” he said.

Despite the emotions tied to the case, Tuggle said the ultimate goal is rebuilding the relationship with the children Doris and Jon shared.

“Her death tore the family apart,” she said. “But no matter what happens in court, I’m focused on rebuilding our relationship with the children. That’s what really matters now.”

Worrell remains at the Coffee County Detention Center awaiting trial.

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