A routine visit to his mother’s home in Mississippi took an unexpected turn for Perry County Sheriff Jacob Garner when he came across a man who had been hiding from deputies earlier that day.
The man was later identified as 68-year-old Comer McWaters of Little Texas, Alabama, who is wanted in connection with the death of 49-year-old Eden Sexton of Columbus, Georgia. Alabama authorities have obtained a murder warrant for McWaters in the case.
Sexton was reported missing in Columbus in February after she was last seen in the area of Victory Drive. The case remained a missing-person investigation for several months before Columbus police asked the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s State Bureau of Investigation for assistance in June.
According to ALEA, investigators eventually developed evidence that led to a murder warrant being issued for McWaters in connection with Sexton’s death. Authorities have not publicly released details about how Sexton died, a possible motive, or the evidence that led to the warrant.
Deputies Had Already Been Searching for McWaters
The arrest unfolded in Perry County on Sept. 21 after local authorities received information about a man from Alabama who was reportedly staying in the Buck Creek community and may have been using an alias.
When deputies went to the area, McWaters allegedly fled into nearby woods. Officers searched for him for several hours but were unable to locate him at the time.
Later that day, Sheriff Garner was visiting his mother when he spotted McWaters emerging from the woods and walking toward a private driveway near the property.
Garner recognized him and attempted to take him into custody. Authorities said McWaters resisted and became aggressive. He was reportedly carrying two large knives, and a physical struggle followed before Garner was able to disarm him and restrain him.
Arrest Led to Confirmation of Alabama Murder Warrant
McWaters was taken to the Perry County Jail following the encounter. He faces Mississippi charges including trespassing, disorderly conduct, assault on an officer, resisting arrest and providing false identification to law enforcement.
After his identity was confirmed, authorities learned that he was wanted in Alabama in connection with the homicide investigation involving Sexton. He remains in Mississippi while awaiting extradition to Alabama.
Sexton’s disappearance had initially been reported to Columbus police in February. ALEA later became involved at the request of Columbus authorities, and the investigation eventually shifted toward a homicide case.
Officials have so far kept many details of the investigation private. They have not publicly explained the circumstances surrounding Sexton’s death or disclosed a motive. ALEA has said the investigation remains ongoing.
For now, McWaters remains in custody in Mississippi as authorities work through the extradition process. The Alabama murder case is expected to continue once he is returned to the state.
As with any criminal case, the allegations against McWaters remain accusations unless and until they are proven in court.
