Atlanta Murders Of 1979–1981
Atlanta Child Murder Case
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Atlanta, Georgia
TIME PERIOD
1979-1981
VICTIMS
30 confirmed
Between July 21, 1979, and May 21, 1981, a series of at least 28 murders occurred in Atlanta, Georgia, primarily targeting African-American children and young adults. The victims included Edward Hope "Teddy" Smith, 14, and Alfred "Q" Evans, 13, whose bodies were discovered on July 28, 1979, marking the beginning of what became known as the Atlanta Child Murders. Wayne Williams, a 23-year-old Atlanta native, was arrested and convicted in 1982 for the murders of two adult victims, receiving two consecutive life sentences; however, he has consistently maintained his innocence. Following Williams' arrest, the killings ceased, leading law enforcement to attribute several of the unsolved child murders to him, although he has not been charged in those cases. In March 2019, the Atlanta Police Department reopened the investigation into the unsolved murders, seeking to leverage new forensic technology, but as of April 2025, no significant developments have been reported.
Wayne Williams is widely believed to be responsible for the majority of the Atlanta murders, particularly due to the cessation of the killings following his arrest and conviction for two adult murders. Some community members speculate that there may have been multiple perpetrators involved, and there are ongoing theories about potential police misconduct or mishandling of the investigation. Additionally, the reopening of the cases in 2019 has led to speculation that advancements in forensic technology could uncover new evidence or lead to further arrests.
The Atlanta Murders of 1979–1981: A City in Terror
A Chilling Mystery Unfolds
Between July 1979 and May 1981, the city of Atlanta, Georgia, became the backdrop for a series of chilling and tragic events. A shadowy killer, or perhaps killers, claimed the lives of at least 28 African-American children, adolescents, and adults. This grim saga, often referred to as the Atlanta Child Murders, left a scar on the city and haunted the nation.
A String of Murders
The first signs of trouble emerged in the summer of 1979, when 14-year-old Edward Hope "Teddy" Smith and 13-year-old Alfred "Q" Evans vanished just four days apart. Their bodies were discovered on July 28 in a wooded area, with Smith suffering a gunshot wound. Just weeks later, on September 4, 14-year-old Milton Harvey disappeared while running an errand for his mother. His bike turned up a week later, but his body wasn't found until November.
October 21 saw the disappearance of 9-year-old Yusuf Bell. Witnesses last saw him entering a blue car. His body was discovered in November in an abandoned school, the cause of death: strangulation. These early incidents marked the beginning of a horrifying pattern.
The Murders Continue
In March 1980, the first female victim, Angel Lenair, aged 12, vanished. Her body was found bound and strangled, six days after her disappearance. This was followed by the disappearance of 11-year-old Jeffery Mathis on March 11, who was last seen entering a blue car. His remains were discovered 11 months later, too decomposed to determine a cause of death.
The summer months brought more heartbreak. On June 9, 12-year-old Christopher Richardson went missing. His body was found months later alongside another victim, Earl Terrell. The next day, 7-year-old LaTonya Wilson was abducted from her home; her skeletal remains were found in October. A day later, Aaron Wyche, aged 10, was found dead under a bridge, his neck broken from a fall.
The list of young victims continued to grow with the murders of Anthony Carter, Clifford Jones, and others. Each case added to the community's fear and desperation for answers.
A City on Edge
By 1981, the city was gripped by terror. Families imposed curfews, and children were kept inside. The media coverage intensified, and the FBI joined the investigation, predicting that the killer might use the city's waterways to hide evidence. Surveillance was set up at bridges over the Chattahoochee River, leading to a pivotal moment on May 22, 1981.
That night, a stakeout under a bridge resulted in officers hearing a splash in the water. Shortly after, they stopped a white 1970 Chevrolet station wagon driven by 23-year-old Wayne Bertram Williams. He claimed to be auditioning a singer, but a deeper look into his life began to connect him to the crimes.
The Arrest and Trial
On June 21, 1981, Wayne Williams was arrested and later indicted for the murders of Nathaniel Cater and Jimmy Ray Payne. The evidence against him included fibers from his home and car that matched those on the victims, witness testimonies, and suspicious activities. Williams's trial began in January 1982, with a jury of nine women and three men, eight of whom were African American.
The prosecution presented fiber analysis as crucial evidence, linking Williams to the crimes. Despite criticisms of the prosecution's methods, the jury found him guilty on February 27, 1982. Williams was sentenced to two consecutive life terms.
A Case Revisited
Though Williams was convicted, doubts lingered about his involvement in all the murders. The 1985 miniseries "The Atlanta Child Murders" dramatized these events, keeping the case in the public eye. In March 2019, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms ordered the reopening of the cases, hoping new technology might bring closure to the unresolved murders. However, as of April 2025, no new results have been announced.
The Atlanta murders remain a haunting chapter in the city's history, a reminder of the lives lost and the impact of fear on a community.
Sources
For more detailed information, visit the original Wikipedia article.
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First Victims Discovered
The bodies of Edward Hope Smith and Alfred Evans are found, marking the start of the Atlanta Child Murders.
Nathaniel Cater Found
The body of Nathaniel Cater is discovered, leading to the arrest of Wayne Williams.
Wayne Williams Arrested
Wayne Williams is arrested and charged with the murders of Nathaniel Cater and Jimmy Ray Payne.
Trial Begins
The trial of Wayne Williams begins, focusing on fiber evidence linking him to the murders.
Williams Found Guilty
Wayne Williams is convicted of two counts of murder and sentenced to two life terms.
Investigation Reopened
The DeKalb County Police Chief reopens investigations into the murders of five victims.
Evidence Retesting Announced
Atlanta Mayor announces plans to retest evidence from the child murders case.
DNA Testing Initiated
DNA samples from two cases are identified and sent for additional analysis.
Between July 21, 1979, and May 21, 1981, a series of at least 28 murders occurred in Atlanta, Georgia, primarily targeting African-American children and young adults. The victims included Edward Hope "Teddy" Smith, 14, and Alfred "Q" Evans, 13, whose bodies were discovered on July 28, 1979, marking the beginning of what became known as the Atlanta Child Murders. Wayne Williams, a 23-year-old Atlanta native, was arrested and convicted in 1982 for the murders of two adult victims, receiving two consecutive life sentences; however, he has consistently maintained his innocence. Following Williams' arrest, the killings ceased, leading law enforcement to attribute several of the unsolved child murders to him, although he has not been charged in those cases. In March 2019, the Atlanta Police Department reopened the investigation into the unsolved murders, seeking to leverage new forensic technology, but as of April 2025, no significant developments have been reported.
Wayne Williams is widely believed to be responsible for the majority of the Atlanta murders, particularly due to the cessation of the killings following his arrest and conviction for two adult murders. Some community members speculate that there may have been multiple perpetrators involved, and there are ongoing theories about potential police misconduct or mishandling of the investigation. Additionally, the reopening of the cases in 2019 has led to speculation that advancements in forensic technology could uncover new evidence or lead to further arrests.
The Atlanta Murders of 1979–1981: A City in Terror
A Chilling Mystery Unfolds
Between July 1979 and May 1981, the city of Atlanta, Georgia, became the backdrop for a series of chilling and tragic events. A shadowy killer, or perhaps killers, claimed the lives of at least 28 African-American children, adolescents, and adults. This grim saga, often referred to as the Atlanta Child Murders, left a scar on the city and haunted the nation.
A String of Murders
The first signs of trouble emerged in the summer of 1979, when 14-year-old Edward Hope "Teddy" Smith and 13-year-old Alfred "Q" Evans vanished just four days apart. Their bodies were discovered on July 28 in a wooded area, with Smith suffering a gunshot wound. Just weeks later, on September 4, 14-year-old Milton Harvey disappeared while running an errand for his mother. His bike turned up a week later, but his body wasn't found until November.
October 21 saw the disappearance of 9-year-old Yusuf Bell. Witnesses last saw him entering a blue car. His body was discovered in November in an abandoned school, the cause of death: strangulation. These early incidents marked the beginning of a horrifying pattern.
The Murders Continue
In March 1980, the first female victim, Angel Lenair, aged 12, vanished. Her body was found bound and strangled, six days after her disappearance. This was followed by the disappearance of 11-year-old Jeffery Mathis on March 11, who was last seen entering a blue car. His remains were discovered 11 months later, too decomposed to determine a cause of death.
The summer months brought more heartbreak. On June 9, 12-year-old Christopher Richardson went missing. His body was found months later alongside another victim, Earl Terrell. The next day, 7-year-old LaTonya Wilson was abducted from her home; her skeletal remains were found in October. A day later, Aaron Wyche, aged 10, was found dead under a bridge, his neck broken from a fall.
The list of young victims continued to grow with the murders of Anthony Carter, Clifford Jones, and others. Each case added to the community's fear and desperation for answers.
A City on Edge
By 1981, the city was gripped by terror. Families imposed curfews, and children were kept inside. The media coverage intensified, and the FBI joined the investigation, predicting that the killer might use the city's waterways to hide evidence. Surveillance was set up at bridges over the Chattahoochee River, leading to a pivotal moment on May 22, 1981.
That night, a stakeout under a bridge resulted in officers hearing a splash in the water. Shortly after, they stopped a white 1970 Chevrolet station wagon driven by 23-year-old Wayne Bertram Williams. He claimed to be auditioning a singer, but a deeper look into his life began to connect him to the crimes.
The Arrest and Trial
On June 21, 1981, Wayne Williams was arrested and later indicted for the murders of Nathaniel Cater and Jimmy Ray Payne. The evidence against him included fibers from his home and car that matched those on the victims, witness testimonies, and suspicious activities. Williams's trial began in January 1982, with a jury of nine women and three men, eight of whom were African American.
The prosecution presented fiber analysis as crucial evidence, linking Williams to the crimes. Despite criticisms of the prosecution's methods, the jury found him guilty on February 27, 1982. Williams was sentenced to two consecutive life terms.
A Case Revisited
Though Williams was convicted, doubts lingered about his involvement in all the murders. The 1985 miniseries "The Atlanta Child Murders" dramatized these events, keeping the case in the public eye. In March 2019, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms ordered the reopening of the cases, hoping new technology might bring closure to the unresolved murders. However, as of April 2025, no new results have been announced.
The Atlanta murders remain a haunting chapter in the city's history, a reminder of the lives lost and the impact of fear on a community.
Sources
For more detailed information, visit the original Wikipedia article.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
First Victims Discovered
The bodies of Edward Hope Smith and Alfred Evans are found, marking the start of the Atlanta Child Murders.
Nathaniel Cater Found
The body of Nathaniel Cater is discovered, leading to the arrest of Wayne Williams.
Wayne Williams Arrested
Wayne Williams is arrested and charged with the murders of Nathaniel Cater and Jimmy Ray Payne.
Trial Begins
The trial of Wayne Williams begins, focusing on fiber evidence linking him to the murders.
Williams Found Guilty
Wayne Williams is convicted of two counts of murder and sentenced to two life terms.
Investigation Reopened
The DeKalb County Police Chief reopens investigations into the murders of five victims.
Evidence Retesting Announced
Atlanta Mayor announces plans to retest evidence from the child murders case.
DNA Testing Initiated
DNA samples from two cases are identified and sent for additional analysis.