Charges Dropped in Case of Missing Dublin Man Found Dead

Family says they were kept in the dark about dismissal of charges against two suspects.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 11:07pm

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Nearly two years after 82-year-old Garland Warren vanished from his home in Dublin, Georgia and was later found dead in the woods, his family says they were shocked to learn that charges against two people connected to the case had been quietly dropped. The family was never notified by the Spalding County District Attorney's office or law enforcement about the dismissal of the charges against Robert Peppers and Kelly Osborne.

Why it matters

This case highlights the frustration and lack of transparency that families can face when dealing with the criminal justice system, especially in cases involving the death of a loved one. The Warren family feels they were kept in the dark and denied justice, raising concerns about accountability and communication between authorities and grieving families.

The details

Garland Warren was reported missing on June 10, 2024 after his wife returned home and found him gone. His truck was later spotted being driven by Robert Peppers, and Warren's body was discovered in the woods of Butts County on June 28. Theft charges were filed against Peppers and Kelly Osborne, but prosecutors later dismissed the charges, saying they could not prove the truck was stolen since it had never been formally reported as such. The family argues the truck could not have been reported stolen because Garland was last seen driving it.

  • Garland Warren was reported missing on June 10, 2024.
  • Garland Warren's body was found on June 28, 2024.
  • Charges were filed against Robert Peppers and Kelly Osborne following the discovery.
  • The charges against Peppers and Osborne were dismissed in August 2025.
  • The family learned of the dismissal in February 2026 when the daughter called the DA's office.

The players

Garland Warren

An 82-year-old man who went missing from his home in Dublin, Georgia and was later found dead in the woods.

Michelle Warren

Garland Warren's daughter, who has been fighting for answers and accountability in her father's case.

Robert Peppers

A suspect who was charged with theft in connection to Garland Warren's case, but the charges were later dismissed.

Kelly Osborne

Another suspect who was charged with theft in connection to Garland Warren's case, but the charges were later dismissed.

Kate Lenhard

The Spalding County Chief Assistant District Attorney who says the prosecutor attempted to contact Warren's son multiple times, but was unable to reach him.

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What they’re saying

“No, we did not have any idea. My mother is the next of kin. She should have been notified the day of, and she still has not been notified.”

— Michelle Warren, Garland Warren's daughter

“We couldn't report the truck stolen because my daddy was in my daddy's truck. What evidence, what more evidence do you need? He was in my daddy's truck. Not to mention my poor daddy's dead body laying where he stole the truck from.”

— Michelle Warren, Garland Warren's daughter

“She has pretty much died when daddy died. As soon as it gets dark, she is terrified that these two people are coming to her house.”

— Michelle Warren, Garland Warren's daughter

What’s next

The family plans to continue fighting for answers and accountability in Garland Warren's case, despite the setbacks.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater transparency and communication between authorities and grieving families when it comes to the handling of criminal investigations and the judicial process. The Warren family's experience underscores the emotional toll and sense of injustice that can arise when families are left in the dark.