HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Prosecutors painted a grisly picture about the death of 15-year-old Ja'Marious Logan, as one of his accused murderers appeared in court. 33-year-old Latorrie Gaddis is one of four people arrested and charged in connection with Logan's death and the only one to appear before the Madison County judge Friday morning.
The Huntsville teen went missing during the late summer of 2023, only for his body to be found November 16 in Sylacauga. At Friday's hearing, investigators gave testimony that Logan had been bound and beaten. Huntsville investigator Julian Johnson said Logan was put in the back of a car and taken to an abandoned house in Sylacauga.
When the body was eventually discovered, it had begun decomposition, and was identified as Logan from a forearm tattoo. They said the body's ribs appeared to have been moved, perhaps partially eaten by an animal.
The body was found in a three-foot grave, investigators said, covered by a piece of roofing material. It had been wrapped in plastic and duct tape, and a black extension cord was found wrapped around the victim's neck. An official cause of death has yet to be announced by the coroner's office.
Investigators found blood in an apartment where they believe Logan had been beaten. Blood test results are still pending.
An investigator testified that Gaddis took Logan on a day trip between Huntsville and Sylacauga on an unknown date; it is still unclear what connection Logan and Gaddis had with each other and with the other suspects.
Attorneys for the three remaining suspects appeared on their clients' behalf on Friday; Latoya Wells and Corie Wilson were charged with kidnapping in connection with Logan's disappearance. Gaddis' wife, Deserea Cunningham, was also arrested in Sylacauga on charges of hindering prosecution related to the investigation.