The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is seeking information in a 26-year-old murder case that has left the family of John McKinnon, a 67-year-old taxi driver from Douglas, searching for answers.
McKinnon left his home on Nov. 2, 1998, to pick up a passenger and was later found shot dead, his wallet, keys, and taxi missing.
Just The Facts: John McKinnon, who had worked as a taxi driver in Coffee County, left his home on November 2, 1998, responding to a call to pick up an unknown passenger.
Hours after he left, McKinnon’s body was discovered in a rural area about nine miles west of Douglas. The circumstances of his death point to a robbery, with his keys, wallet, and taxi stolen, but police have never identified any suspects.
McKinnon’s murder has haunted the Coffee County community for more than two decades, with each anniversary of his death renewing calls for justice.
Despite extensive investigation by local law enforcement and ongoing support from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the case has stalled without key evidence or witness statements to point detectives in a definitive direction.
In Context: McKinnon’s murder took place in a time when Georgia was experiencing a rise in violent crimes, especially in rural areas. His killing, however, stands out for its brutality and the mystery surrounding it.
The GBI has reopened the case several times over the years, hoping that advancements in forensic technology or new witness accounts might provide a breakthrough. As of now, however, the case remains cold.
How You Can Help: Investigators are asking the public to come forward with any information, no matter how small, that might help identify McKinnon’s killer or lead to his stolen property. The GBI has urged anyone with information about the events of that night to contact their office at 1-800-597-8477 .
