Investigators were back in the woods behind a Stockbridge shopping center on Tuesday, working with dogs and forensic specialists to see whether a man already convicted in two killings may have left other victims behind. The renewed search is aimed at tying evidence taken from the suspect’s home to the known dump site, and at giving families with lingering questions some long-awaited answers.
Search Resumes at Spivey Junction
Only Channel 2 Action News cameras were rolling as a cadaver dog nicknamed “Indy” moved through the trees and brush while a team of investigators combed the same patch of woods where two sets of remains were found in 2021. “As I’m searching these areas, I am in essence walking in the shoes of the killer,” forensic criminologist Dr. Tracy “Trace” Sargent said during the operation. The on-site work, which included scent-team sweeps and targeted probing of burned and buried spots, was intended to determine whether any additional human remains or trace evidence are still hidden in the area, according to WSB-TV.
How the Case Unfolded
Dennis Lane pleaded guilty in 2022 to the murders of 23-year-old Mirsha Victor and 19-year-old Contesshia McCoy and received consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, according to the Henry County District Attorney’s Office. The office said the case involved counts that included malice murder, felony murder, concealing a death and necrophilia. Authorities say both sets of remains were recovered in the same Stockbridge woods and that evidence collected near Lane’s residence played a key role in securing the convictions.
Investigators Follow New Leads
Two sets of human remains were discovered in July 2021 near the Spivey Junction shopping center, and one set was later identified as belonging to Mirsha Victor, as reported by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. That grim find led to arrests and charges tying Lane to both deaths, with investigators working alongside the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to identify the remains and search nearby areas for more evidence.
Evidence Inside the Suspect’s Home
Detectives who worked the original probe told WSB-TV they later recovered additional identification, photographs and a handwritten list of names from Lane’s bedroom and closet, items that raised fresh fears there could be other victims. “I’ve always just had a feeling that there’s more victims out there,” retired Henry County sergeant Nick Roberts said. Cold-case investigator Sheryl “Mac” McCollum added that offenders sometimes keep mementos such as underwear or driver’s licenses.
Legal Status
Lane’s guilty plea and the two life sentences were handed down in February 2022, the Henry County District Attorney’s Office said in its news release. Prosecutors listed multiple counts in the case and say they remain focused on pursuing any additional leads connected to Lane’s past movements and contacts.
Authorities say the search behind the shopping center will continue as they work to bring closure to families and are urging anyone with information about possible victims to contact the Henry County Police Department. Earlier reporting on the discovery of the remains also directed readers on how to share tips with investigators, according to FOX5 Atlanta.
