Murder suspect extradited from Pittsburgh

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  • Authorities organized a widespread manhunt for Austin Todd Stryker last month after the body of 21-year-old Dahlonega resident Hannah Bender was discovered in a shallow grave in Forsyth County.
    Authorities organized a widespread manhunt for Austin Todd Stryker last month after the body of 21-year-old Dahlonega resident Hannah Bender was discovered in a shallow grave in Forsyth County.
Body

Austin Todd Stryker was expected to return to Lumpkin County on Tuesday for the first time since he allegedly fled the state following the murder of 21-year-old Dahlonega resident Hannah Bender, according to officials.
“It’s expected sometime today,” said Lumpkin County Sheriff Stacy Jarrard.
The 22-year-old Dawsonville resident will face felony charges of murder and will also be charged with armed robbery for his suspected involvement in the unrelated July 7 robbery of the Highway 60 Dollar General.
Authorities ranging from the LCSO to the Georgia Bureau of Investigations to the United States Marshals organized a widespread manhunt for Stryker last month after the body of Bender was discovered buried in a shallow grave of pasture land in Forsyth County on September 25.
Stryker reportedly turned himself in on October 2 at a police station in Pittsburgh, Pa.
A transport company had been hired to return the suspect to Lumpkin County. However, he might not stay within the county for long, said Jarrard.
Since the case, which is currently being handled by the GBI, spans multiple counties, Stryker may be housed in another facility.
“It will be determined by the District Attorney where he will stay,” said Jarrard.
Stryker’s arrival was not expected until after press-time.
Five other suspects have been charged in an apparent attempt to conceal the murder of Bender.
A pair of GoFundMe pages have been established to assist family members in funeral costs and other expenses related to the tragic death of the Dahlonega resident. Those who would like to donate to the cause can visit gofundme.com and word search Hannah Bender.