Toccoa man charged with felony murder, aggravated assault after hit-and-run

The Toccoa Police Department has issued criminal warrants against a Toccoa man accused of felony murder and Aggravated Assault, stemming from an incident that occurred on March 30.

According to Toccoa Police Chief Jimmy Mize, on the night of March 30, the Police Department was alerted to a possible hit-and-run while conducting a traffic stop on Big A Road and Rosedale.

Officers stopped Rex Holbrooks driving a Dodge pickup truck passing vehicles.

As the officer exited his vehicle, Holbrooks asked him to follow him to the hospital.

Holbrooks was transporting a female, who he said was unknown to him and that he found her injured on the side of the road.

When questioned, Holbrooks stated he did not know the road name where he found the woman.

The Georgia State Patrol was called for assistance.

While investigators with the Police Department and GSP were working the case the victim, identified as 48-year-old Janice Allen, of Eastanollee, succumbed to her injuries.

Later that night, the scene of the incident was located at 82 Lucille Ln, in Toccoa.

The GBI along with GSP processed the scene.

Investigators from the Police Department and GBI Agents spoke with the neighbors near the scene as well as stores and businesses along Big A Road to obtain any video footage that might assist in the investigation.

On April 13, warrants were secured for Rex Holbrooks, 55, of Toccoa.

Mize says Holbrooks is charged with one count of felony murder and one count of aggravated assault with possibly other charges pending.

Holbrooks was taken into custody after a brief foot-chase and transported to Stephens County Jail.