A Tight-Knit Community

In the early 1990s, the communities surrounding Waycross, Georgia, were characterized by close familial ties and a shared way of life. Among these interconnected families were the Thrifts and the Rouses, who lived near the vast Okefenokee Swamp. Their bonds were strengthened by shared experiences, work, and social gatherings. Terry Rouse, a 24-year-old native of the area, was known for his affable nature and strong family connections. He worked alongside his cousin and best friend, Craig Thrift, at the Thrift family's concrete business, a testament to their intertwined lives. 

The Fateful Night

On the evening of May 10, 1991, Terry attended a party on Swamp Road in Waycross. Witnesses reported seeing him at the gathering shortly after midnight, and he was believed to have left between 5:00 and 6:00 a.m. on May 11. This would be the last confirmed sighting of Terry. ...Read More