Landmark Cases
Atlanta Murders of 1979 to 1981
Also Known As Atlanta Youth Murders An alternate title used in the scholarly literature (Bernard D. Headley's The Atlanta Youth Murders and the Politics of Race), not a press nickname.
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A series of murders of children and young adults in Atlanta, Georgia, between 1979 and 1981. Wayne Williams was convicted of two of the adult murders in 1982, based substantially on fiber evidence matched to his home, vehicle and dog, pioneering the use of fiber analysis in criminal prosecution; the broader case was reopened for reinvestigation in 2019.
Facts
Case YearSourced to the subject's own account LocationSourced to the subject's own accountAtlanta, Georgia, United States 1 Investigative or Reform SignificanceSourced to the subject's own accountPioneered the use of fiber evidence in criminal prosecution, though the evidence later drew criticism over its presentation and reliability limits. 1 Case StatusSourced to the subject's own accountConvicted on two murders (1982); broader case reopened for review in 2019 1 Cross-Tradition Connections
Associated With
FBI profiler John Douglas personally assessed Wayne Williams's likely culpability during the investigation.
Investigated By
Used In
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Atlanta Child Murders
Lead section, opening paragraphQuote, Lead section, opening paragraph
Over the two-year period, at least 28 African-American children, adolescents, and adults were killed.
1. Wikipedia: Atlanta Child Murders
Further Reading sectionQuote, Further Reading section
James Baldwin, The Evidence of Things Not Seen, 1985, Holt, Rinehart and Winston.
1. Wikipedia: Atlanta Child Murders
1. Wikipedia: Atlanta Child Murders
1. Wikipedia: Atlanta Child Murders
Associated With: John E. Douglas, Investigation section, Douglas assessmentQuote, Associated With: John E. Douglas, Investigation section, Douglas assessment
FBI Agent John E. Douglas stated that, if it was Williams, then he was looking pretty good for a good percentage of the killings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Wayne Williams responsible for all the murders?
No consensus exists. Williams was convicted only of two adult murders, using the child murders as pattern evidence. Police have since informally attributed several of the child killings to him, but he was never charged in those cases and has consistently maintained his innocence.Reader Challenges (0 open reader challenges)
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