Murder Suspect Arrested Weeks After Missing Woman Found Dead in Georgia

Loron Spaulding of Gainesville taken into custody by U.S. Marshals in New Jersey

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:54am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked cell phone screen, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the investigation into a violent crime.The harsh flash of a camera captures a grim piece of evidence, exposing the stark realities of a tragic crime.Cumming Today

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has arrested 35-year-old Loron Spaulding of Gainesville in connection with the murder of Diaja Benson, a 30-year-old woman who was reported missing in Dawson County and later found dead in Forsyth County earlier this month.

Why it matters

The arrest of Spaulding brings some closure to the tragic case of Benson's disappearance and death, which had raised concerns in the local community. The GBI's involvement and coordination with other law enforcement agencies highlights the resources dedicated to investigating serious crimes in the region.

The details

Benson's body was discovered on March 13 near Lanier 400 Parkway in Cumming, Georgia. The GBI, Cumming Police Department, and Forsyth County Sheriff's Office were involved in the investigation, with assistance from the Dawson County Sheriff's Office and Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Spaulding was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service in New Jersey on Thursday and is awaiting extradition to Georgia, where he will be booked into the Forsyth County Jail on a charge of malice murder.

  • Benson was reported missing in Dawson County on February 20.
  • Benson's body was discovered on March 13 in Cumming, Georgia.
  • Spaulding was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service in New Jersey on April 2.

The players

Diaja Benson

A 30-year-old woman who was reported missing in Dawson County and later found dead in Forsyth County.

Loron Spaulding

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

Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI)

The state's lead law enforcement agency that is investigating Benson's murder.

Cumming Police Department

A local law enforcement agency that assisted in the investigation.

Forsyth County Sheriff's Office

A local law enforcement agency that assisted in the investigation.

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What’s next

Spaulding is awaiting extradition to Georgia, where he will be booked into the Forsyth County Jail on a charge of malice murder.

The takeaway

This case highlights the collaborative efforts of local and state law enforcement agencies in Georgia to investigate serious crimes and bring suspects to justice, even when they attempt to flee the state. The arrest of Spaulding provides some closure for the community, but the tragic loss of Diaja Benson's life remains a somber reminder of the importance of public safety.