By Malynda Fulton
NASHVILLE — Authorities have finally confirmed that human remains found three months ago in Madison County, Fla., belong to a Berrien County man who has not been seen since September 2009.
Berrien County Sheriff Anthony Heath said that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation identified the remains as those of 24-year-old Travis Sauls. The victim’s burned remains were recovered in a wooded area in October by the Madison County Sheriff's Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
John Dennis Woods, 36, was arrested in connection with the incident and charged with felony murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm in commission of a felony and concealing a death, Heath previously told The Times.
Woods was released on $150,000 bond sometime in November and has been placed on house arrest with an ankle monitor.
Sources state that Woods lives in close proximity to the victim’s friends and family.
Despite the state’s opposition for Woods’ release, bond was granted by Alapaha Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge Howard McClain.
Alapaha Judicial Circuit District Attorney Cathy Helms previously told The Times that bond for serious violent felonies, such as murder, can only be granted in superior court. In addition, Georgia law requires that a bond be granted if a defendant is not indicted within 90 days of his or her arrest, even if the defendant is charged with murder.
