Two Georgia residents have been charged with murder after investigators say they killed a local bartender and discarded his dismembered remains in a reservoir outside Atlanta. Mario Andre Barber, 46, and Brittany Amber Baker, 42, were arrested Monday following the discovery of Jamal Rashad Parker's remains in the Dog River Reservoir, approximately 30 miles from the city, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office announced. Both suspects entered not guilty pleas Tuesday and are being held without bond.
Discovery of Remains and Victim Identification
Parker's remains were found in the Dog River Reservoir in May. Investigators confirmed his identity through DNA comparison technology after his father contacted authorities, saying the victim's tattoos matched those of his son.
Parker, 37, worked as a bartender at Ms. Icey's Kitchen & Bar in Atlanta. He was also a musician and visual artist. A GoFundMe created by a family member to cover burial costs described him as someone with "a beautiful soul and spirit" who "loved life and the people he met along his journey."
What Investigators Found at the Scene
Authorities believe Parker was killed inside a home in Douglasville where Baker lived. Late last month, investigators were observed removing a reciprocating saw and cleaning supplies from that property, according to local station WSB-TV.
Police have not stated whether Parker knew his alleged killers before the incident. The family-created GoFundMe, however, characterized the suspects as "people he knew and trusted."
Both Barber and Baker have lengthy prior criminal records, according to reports.
Family's Response and Court Proceedings
Charles Parker, the victim's father, spoke outside the courthouse following Tuesday's proceedings. He said he wants the suspects punished and that a life sentence would not feel sufficient for what was done to his son. He described the nature of the crime as something that felt unreal — the kind of event typically seen only on television — and said the suspects showed no remorse.
The GoFundMe describes the loss as one that "totally devastated our family and friends and has left us heartbroken," adding that Parker was "a professional bartender who enjoyed creating new drinks" alongside his work as a visual and musical artist.
The case remains under investigation by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. No information has been released regarding the timeline of the alleged killing or the relationship between Parker and the two suspects prior to the incident.