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Man arrested in homicide case
Daryl Anthony Priestley, 17, charged with murder
chief york
Statesboro Police Chief Stan York speaks to the media at Tuesday's press conference. York announced the arrest of a suspect in the Campus Crossings murder of Brandie Danielle Davis. - photo by EDDIE LEDBETTER/staff
   Statesboro police announced Tuesday that a 17-year-old man was arrested and charged in the Dec. 8 strangulation murder of an Ogeechee Technical College student at Campus Crossings apartments in Statesboro.

      Daryl Anthony Priestley, who lived at The Avenue at Southern apartments, is from McDonough, which also was the hometown of victim Brandie Danielle Davis. Priestley was taken into custody in McDonough and is charged with felony murder, said Statesboro Police Chief Stan York.

      Police have been tight-lipped over the past few weeks, but had Priestley in their line of sight since shortly after the discovery of Davis' body in her apartment. However, investigators did not release any information so as not to taint the investigation, he said.

      "We followed where the evidence led us, and we developed a person of interest," he said.

      Statesboro Police Capt. Scott Brunson, Det. Sgt. James Winskey, and Jake Wynn, investigator with the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office, traveled to McDonough Tuesday to interview Priestley, he said. Priestley was asked to meet with the investigators at the Henry County Police Department, and after the interview, was arrested, York said.

      Priestley, an East Georgia College student, was taken to the Henry County Jail and was to be transported to the Bulloch County Jail Tuesday evening, he said.

      Citizens in the Statesboro area, specifically living near the Georgia Southern University campus, have been fearful since the murder was discovered. Campus Crossings apartments is in close proximity to the university campus, within sight of Paulson Stadium. Police have fielded several questions regarding the murder, and many were concerned that a serial killer could be at large.

      "We do not believe it was a random act," York said Tuesday, adding that investigators believe Davis and Priestly were "acquaintances."

      York expressed gratitude towards Henry County Police Chief Russell S. Abernathy and McDonough Mayor Joe Jackson for  their help in the investigation, he said Tuesday during  an afternoon press conference outside his office.

      York said further details may be released as the investigation continues, but reminded citizens that the investigation "is still ongoing."

   Holli Deal Bragg may be reached at 489-9414.
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