A heartbreaking case from Georgia has come to a close, as a man has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for murdering his girlfriend and her 15-year-old son. William Jerome Adams, 29, was found guilty of the brutal killings that shocked a community and left a young boy home alone for two days without knowing his family had been taken from him. The court’s decision brings justice for the victims and some relief for their grieving family.
The Victims: A Mother and Her Son
The victims in this case were Mary Lindsay, 39, and her teenage son Atif Muhammad Jr., 15. Mary was a mother of four, and according to her family, she was caring and deeply loved by her children. Her tragic death, along with her son’s, left the community in shock.
How the Case Came to Light
On March 26, 2021, Mary’s 19-year-old daughter went to check on her mother, who had not been heard from in several days. Worried, she climbed through a window at the family’s Flowery Branch home—and made a horrifying discovery. Inside a locked bedroom, she found both her mother and younger brother dead.
What made the discovery even more heartbreaking was that her 8-year-old brother was still in the house, sleeping in their mother’s room. He had been home alone for two days, completely unaware of what had happened just a few rooms away.
The Investigation and Arrest
Prosecutors said that shell casings were found at the crime scene, and investigators believe the murders took place on March 24, 2021—two days before the bodies were found.
The very next day, William Jerome Adams was arrested in Laredo, Texas, as he tried to cross the border into Mexico. Authorities said he was using a false name and didn’t have a passport. Investigators later found that he had stolen $2,000 from Mary Lindsay’s bank account before fleeing.
Evidence of Abuse and Warning Signs
During the trial, Adams’ violent past and signs of abuse were brought forward.
Prosecutors revealed that Atif’s twin sister had testified about a handgun they found in their mother’s room 10 days before the murder. When they asked their mother about it, she said the gun belonged to Adams.
Jurors were also shown a photo emailed by Mary to herself that showed a serious injury to her arm. Prosecutors said the injury was caused by Adams in an earlier incident, suggesting a history of abuse in the relationship.
The Verdict and Sentence
On August 1, 2025, the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that Adams was convicted of:
Two counts of felony murder
Two counts of aggravated assault
He was sentenced to two life terms without the possibility of parole.
District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said in a statement:
“The verdict and sentence are fitting for a defendant who violently took the life of a mother and son and stole from them. We mourn with the victims’ family and hope the outcome of the trial gives them some closure and justice.”
The tragic killing of Mary Lindsay and her teenage son Atif has left deep pain in the hearts of their family and community. As the courts deliver justice, many are still left mourning the loss of two lives that should never have ended this way. This case also highlights the importance of recognizing and speaking up about signs of abuse. While nothing can undo the harm done, the life sentence ensures that William Jerome Adams will never hurt anyone again.
