Georgia Man Sentenced to 10 Years After Burning Mother’s Body in Backyard and Claiming She Had Been Abducted

A Georgia man who told authorities that his elderly mother had disappeared after being taken away by a stranger has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. But investigators uncovered a disturbing discovery in the backyard of the family home: a fire, a burned mattress and human remains. Jason Christopher Campbell, 35, was convicted of concealing the death of his 62-year-old mother, Marie Campbell, following a five-day trial in Banks County Superior Court.

The case began in January 2025, when Marie was reported missing on January 6. She had been living with her son at their home in Homer, Georgia, and her sudden disappearance alarmed relatives and people who knew her. Several of her personal belongings, including her purse, identification and cellphone, were reportedly left behind at the residence. Her vehicle also remained at the property, raising questions about how she could have left without taking her essential possessions.

Two days later, Jason contacted authorities and claimed that an unknown person had picked his mother up from the home three days earlier. He reportedly said he had not heard from her since. But his statements became increasingly unusual. According to an incident report, he had also called 911 on January 7 and claimed that his mother had been abducted by aliens. Investigators began examining the property and looking for evidence that could explain what had happened to Marie.

During the search, deputies discovered a small fire burning in the backyard, along with what appeared to be a burned mattress. They also found human remains at the scene. Forensic examination later identified the remains as belonging to Marie Campbell. Investigators additionally documented a vehicle with a seat either missing or folded down, along with other evidence at the property. The discovery transformed what had initially been treated as a missing-person investigation into a criminal case involving the concealment of a death.

Prosecutors argued that Jason had burned his mother’s body in an effort to conceal her death. He was charged in February 2025 with concealing a death, and the case proceeded to trial nearly two years later. Following five days of testimony and evidence, a Banks County jury found him guilty on October 30, 2026. Superior Court Judge Albert Collier sentenced him to 10 years in prison, which he must serve in confinement.

Despite the conviction, important questions about Marie’s final hours remain unanswered. Authorities have not publicly established her official cause or manner of death, and Jason was convicted of concealing her death, not murdering her. Prosecutors have also not announced additional charges accusing him of causing her death. For Marie’s family, the case has brought a measure of accountability for the concealment of her remains, but it has not yet provided a complete explanation of how the 62-year-old woman died.

Sources:

• Law&Crime