A Georgia man has been sentenced to life in prison without parole after being found guilty of murdering his girlfriend and her teenage son, and then leaving her 8-year-old child alone in the house with their bodies. The shocking case has deeply disturbed the community, as more details emerged about the violent and heartbreaking crime.
What Happened?
On March 26, 2021, police began investigating after Mary Lindsay, 39, had not been heard from for several days. Her oldest daughter went to check on the family’s home in Flowery Branch. Unable to get inside, she crawled through a window—only to find her 8-year-old brother asleep in their mother’s bedroom.
She then discovered the horrifying scene: the dead bodies of her mother, Mary Lindsay, and her 15-year-old brother, Atif Muhammad, Jr., inside a locked bedroom.
Who Was Responsible?
The investigation revealed that William Jerome Adams, 29, who was Lindsay’s boyfriend, had shot both her and Atif in the bedroom two days earlier. He then left the house, leaving the 8-year-old child alone with the bodies—completely unaware of what had happened.
Prosecutors say Adams used a 9mm handgun and three shell casings were found at the crime scene. A nearby stash of ammunition matched the bullets used in the crime.
Trying to Escape
After the murders, Adams took $2,000 from his girlfriend’s bank account and tried to flee the country. Within a day of police issuing an arrest warrant, federal authorities caught Adams at the Mexico border in Laredo, Texas. He was using a fake name and had no passport.
Evidence and Testimony
At the trial, Atif’s twin sister gave key testimony. She had seen a 9mm Luger handgun in the house about 10 days before the murders and even took a picture of it. Her mother confirmed at the time that the gun belonged to Adams.
Prosecutors also presented evidence that Adams was abusive and controlling toward Lindsay. A photo was shown in court of a previous injury on her arm caused by Adams, giving further insight into the violent nature of their relationship.
The Verdict and Sentence
A jury found Adams guilty of:
Two counts of murder
Two counts of aggravated assault
The judge sentenced him to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said, “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 that the outcome of the trial gives them some closure and justice.”
This heartbreaking case not only took two lives but left a young child alone in a home filled with trauma. Thanks to quick police work and powerful witness testimony, justice has been served. But for the family left behind, especially the children, the scars may last a lifetime.
