Prosecutor reveals new details in 1983 slaying of black man

GRIFFIN, Ga. (AP) – A Georgia prosecutor says a black man slain 34 years ago was killed because he had been “socializing with a white female.”

Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Ben Coker revealed new details at a court hearing Wednesday in the 1983 slaying of Timothy Coggins. Authorities in Spalding County charged two white men with murder last month after reopening the cold case.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports the prosecutor said Coggins died from being dragged behind a pickup truck through the woods. Coker said the 23-year-old victim had been stabbed and suffered lacerations on his neck, back and stomach.

Coggins’ body was found near a highway on Oct. 9, 1983. Authorities have charged William Moore Sr. and Frank Gebhardt with murder. Three others are charged with trying to help them avoid prosecution.

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