Missing Navy sailor last seen at Atlanta airport found dead, GBI asks for help

ATLANTA - The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is calling on the public for assistance in the investigation into the death of 25-year-old Devin Jeter, whose body was discovered in the Ocmulgee River near Lumber City on Nov. 11. 

Jeter, a resident of Scottsdale, was reported missing three days earlier by his family after failing to arrive at his naval station in Jacksonville, Florida.

The investigation began when a local fisherman found Jeter’s body around 12:55 p.m. on Nov. 11 at a boat landing along the Ocmulgee River. Telfair County Sheriff Sim Davidson quickly requested GBI’s assistance, and the body was soon identified as Jeter.

 Jeter had last been seen at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport on the night of Nov. 7, where he rented a silver 2024 Jeep Compass with Florida license plate EWAG47 for his trip to Jacksonville. When Jeter didn’t show up for work on Nov. 8, concerned co-workers contacted his family, leading them to report him missing.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation released this image showing the vehicle driven by 25-year-old Devin Jeter, whose body was discovered in the Ocmulgee River near Lumber City on Nov. 11, 2024. (GBI)

An autopsy performed by the GBI Coastal Crime Lab found no visible injuries, but investigators are awaiting additional forensic results to help determine the cause of death. Authorities have yet to locate the rented Jeep Compass.

The GBI is asking anyone who may have seen Jeter or the silver Jeep Compass between Atlanta and Lumber City to come forward. Even small details could be crucial to the investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI regional investigative office in Eastman at 478-374-6988. Tips can also be shared anonymously through the GBI’s tip line at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online, or via the "See Something, Send Something" app.