Beloved bartender's remains are found in lake as Georgia couple are charged with murder

By LAUREN ACTON-TAYLOR, US NEWS REPORTER Published: 05:55, 23 June 2026 | Updated: 06:23, 23 June 2026 A Georgia couple are facing murder charges after a beloved bartender's dismembered body was discovered in a lake. Mario Andre Barber, 46, and Brittany Amber Baker, 42, were arrested and charged with murder after the body of Jamal Parker, 37, was found in the Dog River Reservoir. Charles Parker, Jamal's father, raged at his son's alleged killers. 'I want them to be punished. And I don't even think a life sentence is good enough,' Charles told WSB-TV. It was not immediately clear what motivated the brutal slaying.  The bartender – who worked at Ms Icey's Kitchen and Bar – was identified after human remains were pulled from the waters, which also serve as a recreational area and drinking-water lake, on May 15. Police initially released photographs of tattoos inked on the remains, with hopes a member of the community could help identify the victim. His father told the outlet that a woman who his son previously dated called him after seeing the tattoos on the news. The grief-stricken dad handed police his DNA and the body was found to be that of his son on June 15. 'It's the kind of stuff you see on TV, but I mean they... they had no remorse,' he told the outlet.  Jamal Parker, 37, was identified after human remains were pulled from Dog River Reservoir in Georgia  Brittany Amber Baker, 42, and Mario Andre Barber, 46, were arrested and charged with murder. Jail records showed that both Barber and Baker were charged for alleged crimes including identity theft, forgery and drugs Police released photographs of tattoos inked on the remains. Jamal's father said a woman who his son previously dated called him after seeing the tattoos on the news Law enforcement officials believe that the well-known bartender, who poured drinks across the Atlanta area, was killed inside a home around an hour from the lake on Langdale Chase Street.  The home was searched for four days by investigators, who discovered a reciprocating saw, cleaning supplies and air fresheners, Law & Crime reported.  Jail records showed that both Barber and Baker were charged for alleged crimes including identity theft, forgery and drugs.  Arrest warrants obtained by the outlet alleged that the pair had stolen driver's licenses and manufactured IDs, license plates and license registrations.    A connection, if any, between the couple and Jamal remains unclear.  An uncle of Jamal's described their loss as 'heart-wrenching' and 'frustrating,' WSB-TV reported.  'We can't even have a regular funeral because of his condition,' Charles Parker told the outlet.  The grieving father said everyone loved Jamal, except for his killers.  The grief-stricken father handed police his DNA and the body was found to be that of his son on June 15 Law enforcement believe Jamal was killed inside a home on Langdale Chase Street, where investigators found a reciprocating saw, cleaning supplies and air fresheners 'My son, Jamal Rashad Parker, was taken from us through a senseless act of violence committed by people he knew and trusted,' his father wrote on a GoFundMe made to honor Jamal.  'Jamal was much more than the tragic circumstances surrounding his death. He was a gifted and creative soul with an entrepreneurial spirit. He had talents in fashion, music, and art, and he approached life with imagination and determination.  'He was clever, funny, and full of personality. His sense of humor could brighten a room, and his creativity allowed him to see possibilities where others saw obstacles.' Charles said the Parker family is 'heartbroken.' 'He deserved the opportunity to continue building his future, sharing his talents, and allowing his light to shine. That opportunity was taken from him far too soon,' the fundraiser, which raised $1,700 as of Monday evening, said.  'Jamal Rashad. A friend who turned into a brother. A Painter. Master Mixologist. Dancer. Stylist. Singer. Clothing designer. Atmosphere Shifter,' a friend wrote on Instagram. 'Jamal wasn’t just an artist. He was Art. He was Alchemy. The true embodiment of using every gift given to you by God and giving it all to the world.  He used his time on this earth to create, give light, and laughter to everyone he encountered. 'I pay homage to you today Brother. Your name lives on. Your art lives on. Your spirit lives on.' A friend described the bartender as 'effortlessly exceptional,' while another said 'he used his time on this earth to create, give light, and laughter to everyone he encountered' An uncle of Jamal's described their loss as 'heart-wrenching' and 'frustrating' Another friend described the bartender as 'effortlessly exceptional.' 'Best example of a Jersey native moving to Atlanta with just his skills and a smile.. then creating magic with just those 2 things,' they said.  'I truly admired you and used you as my inspiration to level up professionally and mentally.' Barber and Baker both pleaded not guilty and are being held without bond.   The comments below have not been moderated. 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