A Georgia man is facing murder charges nearly two decades after his wife was found fatally shot at the family’s amusement park. Investigators now allege that the killing was not a robbery gone wrong but a planned attack linked to marital problems and an affair with the family’s nanny.
Jon Worrell, who was arrested in Missouri in May 2025, is accused of orchestrating the death of his wife, Doris Worrell. The case has drawn renewed attention following developments in the long-running investigation and the emergence of information from the former nanny.
Doris Worrell Was Killed at the Family Amusement Park
On September 20, 2006, Doris Worrell, 39, was found dead inside Jon’s Sports Park in Douglas, Georgia. She had suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head.
Doris and her husband operated the recreation business, which included amusement attractions and a go-kart track. According to investigators, Jon had left the park to run an errand and returned around 11 a.m., discovering his wife’s body.
The initial investigation focused on the possibility of a robbery or retaliation by someone connected to the business. Authorities also examined the involvement of two employees.
In 2008, two men were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit murder. However, the charges were later dropped because of insufficient evidence. One of those individuals has since died.
For years, the circumstances surrounding Doris Worrell’s death remained unresolved.
Investigators Allege Husband Planned the Killing
As the investigation continued, authorities learned more about Jon Worrell’s marriage and his relationship with Paola Yarberry, the family’s live-in nanny.
Yarberry had been welcomed into the Worrell family as a teenager after Doris learned that she was living alone in Douglas. She later worked as a nanny for the couple’s three children and helped at the family business.
Investigators now allege that Jon and Doris were experiencing marital difficulties and that Jon had an inappropriate relationship with Yarberry.
According to Georgia Bureau of Investigation officials, Jon was concerned that a divorce could lead to him losing custody of his children. Authorities allege that these concerns contributed to his decision to recruit someone to kill Doris.
The allegations represent a major shift from the original robbery theory. Jon has pleaded not guilty and remains entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.
Move to Costa Rica and Arrest Nearly Two Decades Later
After Doris’ death, Jon and the couple’s children moved to Costa Rica. Yarberry later joined them, and the family lived together there for years.
Jon reportedly started an ice delivery business in Costa Rica while raising his children. His relationship with Yarberry eventually ended, and he later returned to the United States.
In 2025, investigators revisited the case and traveled to Costa Rica to interview Yarberry. Information obtained during that investigation helped authorities develop evidence leading to Jon’s arrest.
Jon was arrested in Missouri on May 20, 2025. He was subsequently held in Georgia after waiving extradition.
He is facing charges related to Doris Worrell’s death, including malice murder. The case is being handled in Coffee County, Georgia, and his trial is expected to move forward later this year.
Family Remembers Doris Worrell
Doris’ family has continued to mourn her death and the years she missed with her children.
Her sister, LeAnn Tuggle, has spoken about Doris’ kindness and her devotion to her family. She also expressed support for Doris’ now-grown children, emphasizing that they still have a home with their relatives.
The renewed investigation has brought fresh attention to Doris’ life and the unanswered questions surrounding her death.
As the legal proceedings continue, authorities are seeking to establish the full circumstances of the 2006 killing. The case remains an allegation against Jon Worrell, and any final determination of guilt will be made through the court process.
