LIBERTY COUNTY, Ga. – A 72-year-old Jacksonville woman who had been missing for more than a week was found dead in Georgia, according to an update from the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office.
Margaret Hanley, a Navy veteran, was last seen Monday, Feb. 8, according to her family.
The Liberty County Sheriff’s Office later announced that Hanley’s vehicle, which her son said was a 2001 Toyota RAV4, was found off a road in Hinesville, Georgia, stuck in the mud. Hinesville is about an hour southwest of Savannah in Liberty County
Investigators said a body found by the vehicle was confirmed to be Hanley, and her family has been notified.
Hanley’s son, Jomo Thompson, previously said his mother had been dealing with short-term memory loss. He suspected she might have been the victim of a scam after noticing unusual bank account activity, including checks written out to a person for large amounts.
“My mom is very frugal, so that’s cause for alarm,” Thompson said.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said Hanley’s last known location was identified in Georgia.
Thompson said that was concerning because his mother usually didn’t travel farther than the local Walmart. He added he isn’t familiar with anyone she might know in Georgia.
The Liberty County Sheriff’s Office said this remains an active and ongoing investigation, and Hanley’s vehicle has been secured and will be impounded.
JSO said a Silver Alert was not issued for Hanley because she was last identified in Georgia.
JSO said it reached out for assistance in Georgia and shared information through the National Crime Information Center. They also issued a “Be on the Lookout” alert in Liberty County, where Hanley was last seen.
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