Man charged with murder weeks after missing north Georgia woman found dead near GA-400 powerlines

Loron Spaulding arrested in New Jersey and awaiting extradition to Georgia

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:08am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a broken twig or discarded item of clothing, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the investigation into a violent crime.The discovery of a woman's body near a major highway raises concerns about public safety in the area.Cumming Today

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has charged 35-year-old Loron Spaulding with malice murder in the death of 30-year-old Diaja Benson, whose body was discovered on March 13 near Lanier 400 Parkway in Cumming, Georgia. Benson had been reported missing in Dawson County on February 20, and her body was found during a joint investigation involving several law enforcement agencies.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the importance of thorough and coordinated investigations when a person goes missing, as well as the need for swift action to bring those responsible for violent crimes to justice. The discovery of Benson's body near a major highway raises concerns about public safety in the area.

The details

Spaulding was taken into custody in New Jersey by the United States Marshals Service and is awaiting extradition to Georgia, where he will be booked into the Forsyth County Jail. The investigation into Benson's death is ongoing, and authorities have not yet released details about the circumstances surrounding her murder.

  • Diaja Benson was reported missing in Dawson County on February 20, 2026.
  • Her body was discovered around 11 a.m. on March 13, 2026 near Lanier 400 Parkway in Cumming, Georgia.
  • Loron Spaulding was arrested in New Jersey by the United States Marshals Service and is awaiting extradition to Georgia.

The players

Loron Spaulding

A 35-year-old man from Gainesville, Georgia who has been charged with malice murder in the death of Diaja Benson.

Diaja Benson

A 30-year-old woman from Dawsonville, Georgia whose body was discovered near Lanier 400 Parkway in Cumming on March 13, 2026.

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What’s next

Loron Spaulding will be extradited to Georgia, where he will be booked into the Forsyth County Jail and face charges for Diaja Benson's murder.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for continued vigilance and cooperation among law enforcement agencies when investigating missing persons cases, as well as the importance of swift action to hold perpetrators of violent crimes accountable for their actions.