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The police had staked out the James Jackson Parkway Bridge over the Chattahoochee River, where previous bodies had been found. On May 22, 1981, the officers at the bridge saw the headlights of a slow-moving car crossing the bridge, and heard a splash in the water below. The police followed then pulled over the white station wagon. Behind the wheel was one Wayne Williams. He was questioned and released later that day. Several days after Williams was stopped on the bridge, the body of Nathaniel Carter was found in the river. Carter had died of asphyxsia, as had many of the previous victims. According to the medical exminer, he had been dead long enough for Williams to have thrown his body into the water days earlier. On June 21, Williams was arrested for the murders of two of the adult victims. Williams trail began on December 28, 1981, before a jury of 8 blacks and 4 whites, presided over by a black judge. Williams was convicted in January of 1982 of the two murders. He was later tied by police to 22 of the 29 other murders. Although the authorities were sure of Williams guilt, many in the black community were suspicious of the verdict. The case continues to be a source of conjecture and debate. Wayne Williams is currently serving two life sentences. |
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| The 80's History Project Crimes The Atlanta Child Murders July 21, 1979 - May 21, 1981 |
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| James Jackson Parkway Bridge |
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| Wayne Williams |