By MONROE ROARK
mroark@thecitizennews.com

Jim Watson is the prime suspect in Beverley Watson's disppearance, sheriff's officials admitted in federal court in Newnan recently.

The admission came during testimony in a lawsuit filed by a former sheriff's lieutenant who alleged he was improperly fired.

During testimony in this trial, Maj. Bruce Jordan and several deputies testified that Jim Watson is the prime suspect in the investigation of the disappearance of his wife. That is the first time anyone from the Sheriff's Department has publicly acknowledged this.

Johnson would not comment on Watson's status as a suspect in his wife's disappearance since it is now a matter of public record. “That's Fulton County's deal,” he said in reference to the Watson case.

The woman's remains were found in south Fulton County last spring. Authorities said they believed she was murdered three years ago, but no arrests have ever been made.

Her husband has steadfastly maintained he is innocent of any wrongdoing.

Officers have been skeptical of his story that she walked away from 295 Stoneridge Way in the early morning hours of Jan. 18, 1997, without even a coat, leaving behind family vehicles, purse, car keys and two children.