Atlanta Murders Of 1979–81
Atlanta Child Murder Series
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 investigation led to the arrest of Wayne Williams, a 23-year-old Atlanta native, who was convicted of two adult murders and sentenced to two consecutive life terms. Although Williams has not been formally charged in connection with the child murders, law enforcement attributes several of these cases to him, as the specific style of the killings ceased following his arrest. In March 2019, the Atlanta police reopened the investigation under Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, seeking to utilize new technology to resolve the remaining unsolved cases, but as of April 2025, no new developments have been reported.
Many believe Wayne Williams is responsible for a larger number of the Atlanta murders beyond the two he was convicted of, as the pattern of killings by strangulation ceased after his arrest. Some speculate that there may be multiple perpetrators involved, given the number of victims and the nature of the crimes. Others argue that systemic issues, such as racial tensions and police negligence, contributed to the inability to solve the cases at the time.
The Atlanta Child Murders: A City Gripped by Fear
The Beginning of a Nightmare
In the summer of 1979, the city of Atlanta, Georgia, was about to enter a period of terror that would last nearly two years and forever change the community. The series of tragic events became infamously known as the Atlanta Child Murders. Between July 1979 and May 1981, at least 28 African-American children, adolescents, and adults were killed. These murders, though initially shrouded in mystery, would lead to the arrest and conviction of a young man named Wayne Williams, forever marking him as the face of this horrific chapter in Atlanta's history.
A Pattern Emerges
The first signs of a serial killer targeting Atlanta's youth appeared in the middle of 1979. On July 28, the bodies of 14-year-old Edward Hope "Teddy" Smith and 13-year-old Alfred "Q" Evans were discovered in a wooded area. Smith had been shot with a .22-caliber gun, and these tragic deaths marked the beginning of a series of brutal murders.
As the months went by, the list of victims grew. On September 4, 14-year-old Milton Harvey vanished while running an errand for his mother. His body was not found until November. The city was plunged into further fear on October 21 when 9-year-old Yusuf Bell disappeared while on a trip to a local store. His body, discovered in an abandoned school, showed signs of a violent death by strangulation.
The Killings Intensify
The year 1980 saw the killings continue with an alarming frequency. The first female victim, 12-year-old Angel Lenair, disappeared on March 4. Her body was found bound and strangled. A week later, 11-year-old Jeffery Mathis vanished, and his body was discovered 11 months later, too decomposed to determine a cause of death.
By June, the murders had become a grim regularity. Young victims like Eric Middlebrooks, Christopher Richardson, and LaTonya Wilson disappeared, only to be found dead later, each case marked by its own tragic details. Clifford Jones, aged 13, was found strangled in August, and despite extensive investigations, the killers remained at large. The city was in a state of panic, with parents keeping their children indoors and under tight watch.
The Investigation Heats Up
The authorities were under immense pressure to find the perpetrator, and with over 100 agents working on the case, a breakthrough seemed imminent. The FBI predicted that the killer might attempt to dispose of a body in a body of water. In a dramatic turn of events on May 22, 1981, detectives heard a splash beneath a bridge during a stakeout. The driver of a nearby vehicle, a white 1970 Chevrolet station wagon, was stopped and identified as Wayne Bertram Williams, a 23-year-old music promoter.
Two days later, the body of Nathaniel Cater was found nearby, leading police to suspect Williams of his murder. Investigators noted the presence of a nylon cord in Williams's car, similar to ligatures on the victims, though it was never analyzed as evidence. Additionally, fibers from Williams's home matched those found on some victims, and he had reportedly solicited young people for his music endeavors, raising further suspicions.
Trial and Conviction
Wayne Williams was arrested on June 21, 1981, and indicted for the murders of Nathaniel Cater and Jimmy Ray Payne. His trial began in January 1982, with a jury composed predominantly of African Americans. The prosecution's case heavily relied on fiber evidence linking Williams to multiple victims. Despite criticism of the trial's conduct and the presentation of evidence, the jury found Williams guilty on February 27, 1982. He was sentenced to two consecutive life terms.
The Aftermath
Despite his conviction for two murders, many believe Williams was responsible for a larger number of deaths, though he was never charged for them. In March 2019, Atlanta police reopened the cases under Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, hoping new technology might finally resolve the remaining unsolved murders. As of April 2025, no new results have been made public.
The Atlanta Child Murders left an indelible mark on the city, highlighting issues of race, fear, and justice in a community striving to heal from its scars. Wayne Williams continues to maintain his innocence, while the families of the victims still seek closure for their lost loved ones.
Sources
For further reading, visit the original Wikipedia article: Atlanta murders of 1979–1981
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First Victims Discovered
The bodies of Edward Hope 'Teddy' Smith and Alfred 'Q' Evans are found, marking the beginning of the Atlanta Child Murders.
Wayne Williams Arrested
Wayne Williams is arrested after police observe his suspicious behavior near the Chattahoochee River, where a body is later found.
Trial Begins
The trial of Wayne Williams begins, focusing on the murders of Nathaniel Cater and Jimmy Ray Payne.
Williams Found Guilty
Wayne Williams is convicted of two counts of murder and sentenced to two consecutive life terms.
Klan Investigation Revealed
Reports emerge of a secret investigation into potential Ku Klux Klan involvement in the murders, suggesting a broader conspiracy.
Reopening of Investigations
The DeKalb County Police Chief announces the reopening of investigations into several child murder cases linked to the Atlanta murders.
Evidence Retesting Announced
Atlanta Mayor announces plans to retest evidence from the Atlanta Child Murders in hopes of new technological advancements.
DNA Testing Initiated
DNA samples from two cases are identified and sent for additional analysis by a private lab.
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 investigation led to the arrest of Wayne Williams, a 23-year-old Atlanta native, who was convicted of two adult murders and sentenced to two consecutive life terms. Although Williams has not been formally charged in connection with the child murders, law enforcement attributes several of these cases to him, as the specific style of the killings ceased following his arrest. In March 2019, the Atlanta police reopened the investigation under Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, seeking to utilize new technology to resolve the remaining unsolved cases, but as of April 2025, no new developments have been reported.
Many believe Wayne Williams is responsible for a larger number of the Atlanta murders beyond the two he was convicted of, as the pattern of killings by strangulation ceased after his arrest. Some speculate that there may be multiple perpetrators involved, given the number of victims and the nature of the crimes. Others argue that systemic issues, such as racial tensions and police negligence, contributed to the inability to solve the cases at the time.
The Atlanta Child Murders: A City Gripped by Fear
The Beginning of a Nightmare
In the summer of 1979, the city of Atlanta, Georgia, was about to enter a period of terror that would last nearly two years and forever change the community. The series of tragic events became infamously known as the Atlanta Child Murders. Between July 1979 and May 1981, at least 28 African-American children, adolescents, and adults were killed. These murders, though initially shrouded in mystery, would lead to the arrest and conviction of a young man named Wayne Williams, forever marking him as the face of this horrific chapter in Atlanta's history.
A Pattern Emerges
The first signs of a serial killer targeting Atlanta's youth appeared in the middle of 1979. On July 28, the bodies of 14-year-old Edward Hope "Teddy" Smith and 13-year-old Alfred "Q" Evans were discovered in a wooded area. Smith had been shot with a .22-caliber gun, and these tragic deaths marked the beginning of a series of brutal murders.
As the months went by, the list of victims grew. On September 4, 14-year-old Milton Harvey vanished while running an errand for his mother. His body was not found until November. The city was plunged into further fear on October 21 when 9-year-old Yusuf Bell disappeared while on a trip to a local store. His body, discovered in an abandoned school, showed signs of a violent death by strangulation.
The Killings Intensify
The year 1980 saw the killings continue with an alarming frequency. The first female victim, 12-year-old Angel Lenair, disappeared on March 4. Her body was found bound and strangled. A week later, 11-year-old Jeffery Mathis vanished, and his body was discovered 11 months later, too decomposed to determine a cause of death.
By June, the murders had become a grim regularity. Young victims like Eric Middlebrooks, Christopher Richardson, and LaTonya Wilson disappeared, only to be found dead later, each case marked by its own tragic details. Clifford Jones, aged 13, was found strangled in August, and despite extensive investigations, the killers remained at large. The city was in a state of panic, with parents keeping their children indoors and under tight watch.
The Investigation Heats Up
The authorities were under immense pressure to find the perpetrator, and with over 100 agents working on the case, a breakthrough seemed imminent. The FBI predicted that the killer might attempt to dispose of a body in a body of water. In a dramatic turn of events on May 22, 1981, detectives heard a splash beneath a bridge during a stakeout. The driver of a nearby vehicle, a white 1970 Chevrolet station wagon, was stopped and identified as Wayne Bertram Williams, a 23-year-old music promoter.
Two days later, the body of Nathaniel Cater was found nearby, leading police to suspect Williams of his murder. Investigators noted the presence of a nylon cord in Williams's car, similar to ligatures on the victims, though it was never analyzed as evidence. Additionally, fibers from Williams's home matched those found on some victims, and he had reportedly solicited young people for his music endeavors, raising further suspicions.
Trial and Conviction
Wayne Williams was arrested on June 21, 1981, and indicted for the murders of Nathaniel Cater and Jimmy Ray Payne. His trial began in January 1982, with a jury composed predominantly of African Americans. The prosecution's case heavily relied on fiber evidence linking Williams to multiple victims. Despite criticism of the trial's conduct and the presentation of evidence, the jury found Williams guilty on February 27, 1982. He was sentenced to two consecutive life terms.
The Aftermath
Despite his conviction for two murders, many believe Williams was responsible for a larger number of deaths, though he was never charged for them. In March 2019, Atlanta police reopened the cases under Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, hoping new technology might finally resolve the remaining unsolved murders. As of April 2025, no new results have been made public.
The Atlanta Child Murders left an indelible mark on the city, highlighting issues of race, fear, and justice in a community striving to heal from its scars. Wayne Williams continues to maintain his innocence, while the families of the victims still seek closure for their lost loved ones.
Sources
For further reading, visit the original Wikipedia article: Atlanta murders of 1979–1981
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 'Teddy' Smith and Alfred 'Q' Evans are found, marking the beginning of the Atlanta Child Murders.
Wayne Williams Arrested
Wayne Williams is arrested after police observe his suspicious behavior near the Chattahoochee River, where a body is later found.
Trial Begins
The trial of Wayne Williams begins, focusing on the murders of Nathaniel Cater and Jimmy Ray Payne.
Williams Found Guilty
Wayne Williams is convicted of two counts of murder and sentenced to two consecutive life terms.
Klan Investigation Revealed
Reports emerge of a secret investigation into potential Ku Klux Klan involvement in the murders, suggesting a broader conspiracy.
Reopening of Investigations
The DeKalb County Police Chief announces the reopening of investigations into several child murder cases linked to the Atlanta murders.
Evidence Retesting Announced
Atlanta Mayor announces plans to retest evidence from the Atlanta Child Murders in hopes of new technological advancements.
DNA Testing Initiated
DNA samples from two cases are identified and sent for additional analysis by a private lab.