Question

Using the Internet research the Wayne Williams case. In a narrative format, discuss the key facts and critical issues presented in the case.

Answer 1

Answer.

Wayne Bertram Williams was an Atlanta based young music promoter who was the prime suspect in the Atlanta child murder that occurred between 1979 and 1981.

Between those two years, about 28 African-American children and adults were reported missing in Atlanta, Georgia. The dead bodies of all but one of the disappeared children were found, with most of them bearing marks of a severe attack and asphyxiation. Given the geographical concentration of the reports within Atlanta, the case was soon handed over to FBI  for investigation of possible links between the different murders. A common trace of evidence between the different cases was the presence of green and violet coloured fibre threads on some of the bodies that were recovered, The FBI placed surveillance over several bridges in the area in wait for suspicious activities as some of the bodies had been previously dumped in the river.

Finally one morning Williams was caught by two patrol officer who had heard a splash in the river and then tracked Williams in a white wagon driving away from the bridge.  After briefly questioning him about the purpose of his visit the police officers allowed him to leave as Williams justified his presence on the pretext of meeting a female musician in the vicinity. However, in the later investigation, the  police discovered the phone number he had provided was inauthentic.

Two days after this incident, the body of 27-year-old Nathaniel Carter was found  in the river. Post morgen indicated that the victim had probably died due to asphyxia. At this point police suspected that Williams had murdered Nathaniel. A case was being built. A surprise search of William’s house led to procurement of green and violet coloured fibres and dog hair similar to the ones found on the victims’ bodies. Moreover, Williams was subjected to a polygraph test, which was inconclusive.

In addition, colleagues working in Williams’ studio provided a testimony stating he was seen covered in scratches around the time of the murders which were perhaps from struggles at self-defence by the victim. These traces had provided sufficient evidence to arrest the Williams as the prime suspect. Williams was found guilty and sentenced to two terms of life imprisonment.