A Georgia man who vanished nearly two decades ago after his wife was murdered has been arrested and charged following a major breakthrough: his former teenage nanny, once his lover and accomplice, has turned on him.
Jon Worrell, 58, was taken into custody in Maryville, Missouri, in May 2025 after a 19-year investigation into the 2006 murder of his wife, Doris Worrell. The case, which had long gone cold, was reignited after Worrell’s ex-nanny and former romantic partner, Paola Yarberry, came forward with crucial information.
According to police reports, Doris Worrell was shot and killed in her Douglas, Georgia, home in what initially appeared to be a robbery gone wrong. However, law enforcement soon suspected foul play and pointed their investigation toward her husband, Jon.
At the time of Doris’s death, Jon Worrell had been having an affair with their family’s live-in nanny, Paola Yarberry, who was a teenager then. Shortly after Doris was murdered, Jon and Yarberry left the United States and fled to Costa Rica, drawing further suspicion.
A Cold Case Turns Hot
The early investigation resulted in charges against two of Jon Worrell’s employees. Those charges were eventually dropped due to lack of evidence. The case remained unsolved for years, though suspicion around Jon lingered.
In April 2025, that changed. After reportedly ending her relationship with Worrell, Yarberry agreed to cooperate with law enforcement. She shared details of the affair, their escape to Costa Rica, and Worrell’s alleged involvement in his wife’s death. Her statement proved to be the tipping point that police had been waiting for.
With her cooperation, Jon Worrell was located and arrested in Missouri and then extradited back to Georgia. He is currently being held at the Coffee County Jail without bond.
Charges Filed
Worrell now faces multiple charges including:
- Malice murder
- Felony murder
- Conspiracy to commit murder
- Aggravated battery
The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) led the renewed investigation and continue to search for the actual shooter. One previous suspect in the case has died, while another was previously released from prison.
Yarberry has not been charged in connection with the crime and is not considered a suspect, according to police.
You can find updates on the legal proceedings through the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office at www.coffeecountyga.org and through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation at gbi.georgia.gov.
Escape to Costa Rica
After Doris Worrell’s death, Jon Worrell and the teenage nanny moved to Costa Rica, where they lived together as a couple for several years. Investigators believe Worrell’s motive for the killing was his fear of losing custody of his children and financial assets in a possible divorce.
The affair with the nanny and their sudden departure abroad further deepened suspicions that Jon orchestrated his wife’s murder. At the time, however, officials lacked the direct evidence needed to prosecute him.
According to reports, the relationship between Worrell and Yarberry eventually fell apart. It was only after this breakup that she came forward with information. Police say her willingness to testify and provide details from inside their relationship was key to the arrest.
Awaiting Trial
Worrell is now awaiting trial. He has indicated plans to hire a defense attorney, but as of now remains in custody without bond. Authorities have not commented on whether additional arrests will be made in connection with the case, but they continue to investigate the identity of the person who pulled the trigger.
The murder of Doris Worrell shocked the small town of Douglas, Georgia, back in 2006. For years, her family has waited for justice. With Jon Worrell finally behind bars, they may soon see that day come.
