Capture
Wayne Williams is believed to be the man behind the murders of more than 20 kids in Atlanta, Georgia, between 1979 and 1981.
His downfall began when authorities set up surveillance teams along the Chattahoochee River, as numerous bodies were discovered in that area.
The surveillance team heard a loud splash in the water at around 2:50 am on May 22, 1981. They suspected someone had just dumped another body. A vehicle driven by Williams was the first to exit the bridge, and he was stopped and questioned.
He claimed to be in the area verifying an address where he was supposed to audition the next morning with a singer named Cheryl Johnson. He gave authorities a fake number to contact Johnson.
Investigation into Nathaniel Carter’s death
On May 24, 1981, 27-year-old Nathaniel Carter was found dead in the river. Investigators learned he was last seen with Williams.
They concluded that Williams had dumped his body before he was pulled near the bridge two days earlier.
As the investigation progressed, fibers in Williams’ home and the car were linked to the April 1981 murder of Jimmy Ray Payne.
Williams was questioned and maintained his innocence, but he was arrested for the murders of Payne and Carter.
Legal Proceedings
A two-month trial saw him convicted of both murders. He was sentenced to life. Williams was never convicted in any of the “Atlanta Child Murders”, but since they stopped after Williams arrest, many think he was the culprit.
He was last denied parole in 2019. Now 67 years old, he will have his next parole hearing in November 2027.
DOB:
May 27th, 1958Conviction(s):
- Murder (2 counts)
Date of crime:
1979-1981Location(s):
Atlanta, GADate of arrest:
June 21st, 1981Details:
Killed two men but suspected of the "Atlanta Child Murders"Confirmed Victim(s):
- Nathaniel Carter (27)
- Jimmy Ray Payne (21)
Suspected Victim(s):
- Up to 30 children
Method:
N/ASentence:
LifeCurrent whereabouts:
Telfair State Prison in McRae–Helena, GeorgiaSources:
N/ALast Updated on 07/20/2026
