GBI: Body of missing Spalding County municipal judge found

SPALDING COUNTY, Ga. - The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was asked Tuesday to investigate the death of a municipal judge in Spalding County Tuesday.

Judge William G. Johnston, 53, was found dead by EMC workers near the intersection of Jewel Drive and Pearl Circle early Tuesday evening, according to the GBI. Agents said Johnston was in his personal vehicle.

Investigators said Judge Johnston left his home Monday around 6:20 p.m. He told family members he was meeting a client in Lamar County but did not return home. The next morning, they contacted the police.

The Griffin Police Department contacted the GBI late Tuesday afternoon to assist in the search prior to the judge’s body being discovered.

The cause and manner of death will be determined following an autopsy.