KINGSLAND, Ga. – An update to an I-Team investigation reveals that the couple accused of mishandling pet remains at a Kingsland crematory now face 40 additional charges.
Nader and Amanda Rayan, who run Compassionate Care Pet Cremation Services in Kingsland, have been booked back into Camden County Jail amid an ongoing investigation into mishandling pet remains.
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The Rayans were initially arrested on Aug. 26, a day after Shawn McCoy’s nearly 13-year-old Labradoodle, Charlie, passed away. McCoy and her son had taken Charlie to Compassionate Care for cremation.
Days later, a detective contacted McCoy with disturbing news: Investigators found Charlie’s remains in a black trash bag in the bed of a pickup truck, exposed to the heat of the day.
“It’s very sad that somebody would come to our little community and think that they could get away with it,” McCoy said.
She described Charlie as laid back, friendly, and like another child in her family. She said her granddaughter is just a few months older than Charlie and the two grew up together. She said Charlie was the first pet she has had.
“He just made me feel better. I had something to come home to. My kids are all adults.”
News4JAX was present as animal remains were uncovered behind the cremation facility. The Rayans were released on bond but were later taken back into custody in Louisiana.
Camden County Police Chief Rick Evans called the case “among the most disturbing I have encountered in my law enforcement career.”
Nader Rayan is no stranger to controversy. He previously served jail time as the former manager of an Atlantic Beach cemetery after accusations of defrauding families who sought the I-TEAM’s help in 2016.
The exact number of pet owners affected by this scandal remains unknown.
McCoy expressed how the situation has made grieving even harder. “It’s a constant reminder,” she said.
Kingsland Police have not released additional reports on the new charges, citing the ongoing investigation.