Visit With Wayne Williams
My recent visit with Wayne Williams went really well. My wife and I checked into the Milledgeville, Georgia, Holiday Inn Express on Saturday, had a quite dinner and, as is customary, immediately got onto the computer. After about an hour of research;I had to find out if there had been any additional serial murders and there had, I took a hot shower and lay across the bed. Happy, our totally blind Maltese, was at our side. Shirley, meanwhile, was continuing to go strong at writing, doing legal research, reading reports that had recently surfaced and, of course, drinking Dr. Pepper. Recently surfaced…what a laugh…yes, recently surfaced! Had the existence of these documents only been known at the time of William’s 1982 trial! Where was the Brady decision where the Court held that all evidence used by or intended to be used by the prosecution must be provided to the defense prior to it’s being presented? Discovery was a farce!
Georgia is on Eastern time, therefore, I had to get up early for a quick breakfast and an even quicker view of USA Today. At about 7:45 a.m. I headed toward Sparta where Hancock State Prison is located.
Getting into Hancock was no easy task, for some reason they keep the doors locked! Nevertheless, I got in, cleared security and was taken to a visitation room. Wayne, in only a couple of minutes, made his entrance and the two of us sat down, Coke in hand, and started talking.
To an inmate, having a different person to talk too is a big deal! Plus, I learned many years ago that talking to Wayne is always interesting. There is seldom a dull moment with him in spite of his circumstances.
Our meeting lasted over four hours during which time we made plans for his future litigation, personal plans and things of that nature. While he had a lot on his mind, as he always does, I don’t believe we missed anything. If we did, I can’t imagine what it may have been.
Our lunch consisted of chili dogs and another Coke. Not all that bad as I was hungry by the time noon came around. We ate, talked, and continued to talk about the future, mainly Wayne’s.
Wayne has always maintained a most positive attitude and this visit was no different. In fact, I had to remind myself that it was Wayne Williams, the “so-called” infamous serial killer, that I was talking to or I would have surely forgotten. But, let me ask you this….how does a serial killer act? Strangely…No. Dangerously…Absolutely Not. Any different from any of the rest of us…not in the least. I have known Wayne Williams since 1982 and he has never been anything except polite, with good manners, something that I can’t say for some “do-gooders” in the free world that I know.
Some of our time was spent discussing the upcoming cable network two hour documentary that is currently in the planning stages. In fact, this particular trip was set-up mostly for a discussion about this particular event. I will let you know when it will be aired. It will be worth watching, no doubt.
It seems the world continues to be fascinated about The Atlanta Child Murders but, believe it or not, more and more people are beginning to believe that Wayne William’s IS NOT the killer! During the 1982 trial I imagine the percentages were somewhere around 80% to 20% that Wayne was guilty, after all he was the one caught by police. Over the years many people, even the parents of several of the slain children that made “The List,” along with a number of high ranking law enforcement officials, they were lowly street cops at the time of trial, have come to the conclusion that Wayne William’s is not guilty. Remember, contrary to what the powers-that-be at the time wished, the murders of young children did not stop after Wayne was arrested. Only The List stopped. Plus, and you may not know this, but the parents of the missing children didn’t received the $100,000 checks if their child’s name didn’t ”made the list.” Making the list was a really big thing at that time. Some children killed managed to make it, others did not. I never was able to determine the exact formula used to make this determination.
One must never forget that “politics” always plays a role in a high profile murder case as the entire community is frightened that a killer is on the loose and will strike again anytime. Convention trade was off as scheduled conventions were being canceled on a regular basis. Business, in general, was down, especially in those establishments that remained open after dark.
The children being killed were Black, therefore the killer had to be Black, preferably lower socioeconomic. Black lower socioeconomic defendants have a statistically greater likely hood of being found guilty than someone from a middle to upper class neighborhood and white. Wayne was from a middle class neighborhood, his parents, Homer and Faye were retired teachers, but they did not have the financial means to mount an adequate criminal defense. I won’t relive the case now, however, believe me Wayne William’s did not get a “fair and impartial” trial to say the least. Things are not over, take my word for it, and there is time, yet, for the truth to be made known. As I told Wayne, it’s going to be a definite uphill struggle but it has been known to work for others and it may just work for you. In fact, I noticed in the news a few days later that DNA evidence proved a prison inmate could not have committed a murder that he had been convicted of and was serving time for but, you guessed it, the District Attorney that prosecuted this individual “stands by” the jury’s guilty plea! DNA results are absolute when they prove guilt but when the same testing proves innocence…well.
The statistical probabilities of Wayne’s ever being a free man are not as great as his remaining incarcerated for the remainder of his life and he, long ago, accepted this fact. Different prosecutors are in place now, as are judges, criminal justice officials and others that may have legal, political and social input into Wayne’s release. It’s politics at it’s worst, no doubt. This time around, however, if Wayne can get his case before a judge, his chances are much better. It’s exactly this reason that the State of Georgia has every reason to keep this from happening. Even some of the state’s own “expert witnesses” have moderated their stand and, therefore, their 1982 courtroom testimony. One particular police officer that was assigned to watch the Jackson Memorial Parkway Bridge the night Wayne was supposed to have dumped a body over the side of this bridge, the officer now admits that he was not actually watching the bridge but was busy doing his income taxes while sitting in his patrol car. This was in June, therefore the guy was late in getting his taxes filed! I wonder if he had gotten an extension from the IRS?
At the conclusion of our day long meeting, I made my way back through the maze of locked doors, fences and security points, got into my car and drove back to Milledgeville. Wayne, of course, went back to doing the same things he has done since 1982. There’s not a lot of variety in a maximum security penal institution.
After getting back to the hotel my wife and I, Happy decided not to go, went out for dinner and spent almost three hours going over the events of the day. My wife, Shirley, no new comer to criminal litigation, has long realized that Wayne Williams didn’t get the fair trial that is guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. For this there is no doubt.
We ate, got back to our hotel room, walked Happy, then settled down for more discussion. I believe we ended up actually going to bed around dawn. Researching cases such as Wayne’s is no simple nor rapid project if it is to be done properly and professionally. Notes had to be taken, digital recordings had to be made, entries had to be keyed into our two laptops, etc. What a difference from the 1982 trial when the closest we had to a laptop was a pencil and legal pad.
Early the next morning (Monday) we checked out of the Holiday Inn Express and headed toward Atlanta. It was a pleasant day and the drive was uneventful. We checked into the Crowne Plaza and attempted made contact with Wayne’s attorney. The next couple or three days would be filled with research, research, research. It turned out to be exactly this way…always is. There’s nothing exciting about doing background work on a criminal case, even one that in 1982 was the most publicized in the annals of American crime!
Our evenings gave us a bit of time to have a quite dinner with friends but, even then, ‘The Case” came up and was discussed. As I said earlier, even today, The Atlanta Child Murders remain a most talked about series of killings. I get more requests for case information on the Charles Manson, Ted Bundy and Wayne Williams cases that any others. Plus, people do constantly want to know about the children of these infamous serial killers, if you can classify Manson as a serial killer.
The dinner was great, you know it’s going to be when the prices don’t appear on the menu and a limo picks you up at your hotel and delivers you back at the conclusion of the evening. But, after the time and research efforts both Shirley and I had put in, I suppose a bit of the “high life” is permissible. It certainly was not at the expense of the Georgia taxpayer so not articles to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution! No, I am not going to divulge who our friends were as to do so would violate protocol. You will know in time, perhaps, perhaps not.
I encourage all individuals interested in Wayne William’s case to study the entire case, not just portions. You must understand every single detail in order to get the total, accurate, picture and feeling of what the atmosphere was in Atlanta, Georgia, during the late ’70’s and early ’80’s when young Black children were going missing. Politically, someone had to be caught and someone was caught…Wayne Williams. The fact that many other names were on a list of suspects, some with more evidence pointing to their guilt that Wayne is seldom discussed. Wayne was caught, so everyone returned to their normal living. Everyone except Wayne and his family.
Believe me, status quo is about to change! Politicians don’t want to hear this, nor do some others, nevertheless, more and more do. The statistical probability of a different outcome, should Wayne’s case get back in Court, may very well be totally different. But then, again, herein lies the major problem. How far with the State go to keep Wayne Williams’ from getting back before a judge? Murders were happenings, an individual was arrested, the murders stopped (oh, really?), and life returned to normal. Plus, you must remember that the jury members had to go back into their respective metropolitan communities…how do you think they were, therefore, inclined to vote? Guilty, of course!
Some people continue to actually believe that police only apprehend and arrest guilty individuals and Courts and juries only find these defendants as such. If you believe this then I have ocean front property for sale at a really good price….in Tennessee!
Making an arrest in a politically charged serial murder is extremely important, the faster the better. To hell with facts and evidence, just arrest someone! Officials, in Wayne’s case, from The White House, to the Governor’s Mansion, to City Hall, were demanding that “someone” be arrested. I place emphasis on the word “someone,” which, I remind you is not the same as the “guilty one.” It is also interesting to point out that not all officials at a meeting at the Governor’s Manson the night before Wayne’s arrest were ready for such. However, the most powerful won and Wayne was arrested the next day.
I don’t expect everyone of you reading this blog to agree with me. However, don’t forget that I have the same First Amendment right to my freedom of speech as you PLUS I was there! I have long subscribed to the term “documentation” and, believe me, I have “documentation.” I will share this information with you at the appropriate time. Until then, keep coming back to my site…I will keep you up-to-date on case activity. So-called “new evidence continues to surface and this is 2009! Where has this “new evidence” been all these years? It hasn’t been a Wayne’s attorney’s office, that’s for sure. Where else do you suppose it could have been? Why was it not made known, turned over to the defense under Brady and allowed admitted at trial? I don’t think it takes a genius to figure this out. The sad fact is that the name of the game in court is winning, not getting at the truth.
Will Shirley and I feel negative repercussions from our dealings with Wayne William’s case. You better bet we will, or I did during the original trial. There will probably be telephone calls late at night, hang-up calls regularly, vulgar messages left on our answering machine, attempts to turn me against Shirley and her against me, oh yes…the list goes on and on. You can rest assured, however, that proper precautions have already been taken, are presently in place, and will continue to be for as long as is necessary. Will anyone have the nerve to face us one-on-one? There will be a few, not many. Will it be necessary to alter the way we live our lives, not in the least.
Finally, it is vital to make the point that Criminology Research Project, Inc., is not “pro-defense” nor is it “pro-prosecution.” The Project is objective and merely does professional research, allowing the chips to fall where they may. Chips are about to fall, where, I don’t know. Do I have an idea? Sure I do. Will I let you in on it? Surely you know better.
Finally, I must thank one individual in particular for taking care of business while Shirley and I were away. This young person is from somewhere South of Huntsville, I think, and she is good at what she does. Her husband does what he does well, he supports his wife just as she does him.
Always keep you hand close to your chest, my friend. Many of you know what I mean, some of you think that you do and a few of you, actually do.
Remember, The United States Constitution says that a citizen is “innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and to a moral certainly.” Wayne William’s didn’t receive this guaranteed protection. The system failed him therefore it failed each and everyone of us. Never, for one instance, think that it could not happen to you. To some of us, mathematics says that it will. To others it will make no difference as their mind is “closed’ and has been since the original 1982 verdict. Some have the mistaken belief that if they do not commit a crime they will not be drawn into the criminal justice system. What a mistaken idea. Look to the Innocence Project if you have any doubts. Numerous former inmates are free that, at one time, were on death row for a crime they did not commit. Had it not been for the Innocence Project these individuals would have been executed by now. I cannot say that I am against capital punishment, just that I am against this particular punishment is handed down. How many financially well off death row inmates are there? What’s the percentage of death row inmates as compared to the racial makeup of our nation? Same crime…different sentence.
Our next visit is already scheduled and, no we will not be staying at The Holiday Inn-Express in Milledgeville. I’m not a fool…a bit crazy but not stupid! What about the Crowne Plaza in Atlanta? Well, lets just say that the security there is on the level with that of most penal institutions. You must have a pass to get to a door to get a pass to get into the lobby. Then, the requirement is still another pass to get the elevator to take you only to the floor on which your room is located. To gain access to certain floors still another pass is required. The security people sure seem adequate; their Glock’s seem oiled and ready. The beautiful and well-trained German Shepherd dogs are delightful but, no, I didn’t attempt to pet any of them. Happy did make a pass at one of them but he turned his head. Poor Happy, she tried!
My best to the few “obsessed” individuals that have already contacted Shirley and me. Sorry, but we don’t give out inmate addresses and the Warden kinda likes this idea. The fact that God sent you or that you are on a mission from the Almighty doesn’t get you in the door, sorry. Neither does the fact that you received your college degree from Manson University…Charles Milles Manson, President.
May the “true crime” buffs continue to frequent Books-A-Million, Barnes & Noble and the other book stores. Don’t forget Amazon.com, the stockholders appreciate your business. However, if you want facts, leave a comment on this site. I will answer every comment but it won’t be “blood and guts,” and it won’t be nearly as exciting as what you would want.
Take care, my friends, and thank you to the many that understand quality academic research for what it is.
As Ted Bundy said, “Peace.” Ted signed with a small “t.” You can be the judge as to the hidden meaning here.
Benjamin Harbor said,
September 11, 2009 at 7:47 am
Hello my name is Benjamin Harbor jr. Not every-one can speak on the Atlanta
Child Murders like I can. I have information about the Child Murders that only a few have. Yes Wayne Williams is guilty. Do not be fooled by the public remarks
that want you to believe that a hate group did these Child Murders. Wayne Williams is responsible for the deaths of at least 24 people. He left a trail that I was able to track him down by. If you knew this trail , you could track him too.
Wayne Wiliams is a sick person, who just killed for his ego. If you look very close at the murders you can see the messssage that Wayne Williams left. It all depends on your point of view that you take.
Blackwelder said,
September 27, 2009 at 4:21 am
Mr. Harbor: I would certainly like to see, review, evaluate and rate any and all evidence you may have that creates a statistical probability that Wayne Williams is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and to a moral certainty.
Remember, Williams was not arrest for nor found guilty of murdering any children. The two blacks that he was convicted of murdering were adults.
Should you, in fact, have legitimate inculpatory evidence you should come forward, present it to the proper authorities and take what may or may not come.
Feel free to contact me further. A face-to-face, regulated, conference between the two of us would be appropriate.
Benny said,
October 25, 2009 at 12:00 pm
I vaguely remember the Atlanta child murders, there was always something on TV about it. When Wayne Williams came into the spot light, I often wondered how everything pointed to him, when a lot of the evidence didn’t seem to add up. It has been a long time ago and over time, I have forgotten most of the case but I’ve often wondered, if he really did it or were people just wanting to put all this behind them and move on. Seems there were murders after he was arrested but most TV coverage seemed to stop after his arrest. Now I could be wrong and for sure, it won’t be the first time.
Camille Bell said,
December 12, 2009 at 10:57 pm
I am the mother of Yusuf Bell. I have lived with this for more than 30 years. I have never believed that Wayne Williams committed these murders. He was scapegoated. His conviction killed any chance that we had of finding the real murderers. By the way there were no $100,000 checks for families that made the task force list either. If you think there is anything I can do to help you in your search for truth, please,contact me. Wayne Williams has been in prison longer than he has been out, all for a crime he never commited. We (Parents) have waited for decades to to find out who killed our children. Fibers aren’t fingerprints. However, the Fingerprints on Terry Pue (a pattern case) are not Wayne’s! Why wasn’t that mentioned at the trial. Anything you can do will be appreciated.
Benjamin Harbor said,
December 21, 2009 at 7:02 am
Hello Professor Blackwelder. My name is Benjamin Harbor and I spoke with you
and sent you some information about the Atlanta Child Murders. I will say with
certainty that Wanye Williams is The Atlanta Child Murderer. I would appreciate
it very much if you would give Camille Bell my e-mail. I would love to hear from her. I have so much respect for this woman. She is one that want answers and will
not accept a no for an answer. When I return back to Atlanta this is one person
(C. BELL) I would like to have with me at any meeting about the Child Murders.
I can assure you that when this meeting about the Atlanta Child Murders is held.
The Spirit of The Truth will be heard. The Fulton County District Atty. Cold Case
Office has the information that I shared with them back in April 2009. They are
not going to share this information with any-one the way it seems. You might
have better luck at a wishing well. I intend to put an end to all the lies and share
the truth. Looking foward to meeting with you.
Jeff Sanders said,
December 21, 2009 at 10:24 pm
Hello, I am Jeff Sanders. My father and uncles were lied about, trashed, and for the most part, blamed for several of these murders. I can assure anyone that by no means was my dad or his brothers perfect and without many faults. All of which I absolutely abhor, however; murder definetely wasnt one of these faults. As a 15 year old I can vividly remember the stakeouts outside our home in Stockbridge, the phone taps, the GBI knocking on our door and I answered it. Joe Jackson (GBI detective) looking at me and saying, “hi Jeff, is Don home?”. What so many of you dont know and am sure you wont believe it now is, truthfully, we knew our phone was tapped from day one,the comment by my dad to my uncle Terry about “maybe ride around and scope out some places” was 100% said to stun whomever was listening. It was discussed days before that phone call. The part about the young black kid hitting my uncle Charles’ car with a go kart is 100 % true and its also true my uncle did say that he was going to choke that kid with his (private). He came to the house after that incident and showed us the scratches on the car, Nothing wouldve been made of his comments had his friend, who was an informant for the GBI, and also let me add, a career criminal seized an opportunity to gain favor with the Law and jumped at it.
To Camille Bell and all the other parents of these murdered Kids, I am truly sorry for everyone of your losses and I hope one day you can find closure, but I can assure you, the closure you seek isnt “the racist family did it” theory. Wayne williams was caught on that bridge, Wayne Williams was known to “like” little boys. Now did Wayne kill all these kids? I dont think so, but I do know that he killed one of them. The one he threw off that bridge that night. My only question of all this is about the Dog hairs from a Siberian Husky, I have my own reasons for wanting to know this. So if anyone can shed any light on this for me ,please do share, and Blackwelder, I will take you up on your offer to meet somewhere and discuss this if you ever want answers to any questions you may have concerning my family or that so called “missing” file (its not missing). A murderer is in Prison for a murder he committed and I am sorry for all the hurt he caused but EVERYONE know this, My family is 100% innoncent in this. Thank you all.
Benjamin Harbor said,
December 22, 2009 at 1:54 am
Most people do not understand what happen in the Atlanta Child Murders.
All they know is that Children were murdered. There is far much more that
one mind could imagine. Lies about hate groups and GOV.-Cover up. The
time has come for the truth to be told. I was not going to talk about this
until 2011. Due to health issues I do not wish to take this to my grave. I
have so much evidence to prove that Wayne Williams is the Atlanta Child
Killer. I have a favorite charity does any-one else have one. I am up for
the challenge knowing that the evidence I have will show that Wayne
Williams is guilty. This man is one sick person who killed just to satisfy
his ego. Wayne Williams had (has) no respect for human life especially
if they are Black. To him leaving black Children on roadsides and out in
fields, disgarding them like trash. When he was stopped by Law Enforcement,
he told them he was just geting riddd of some trash. He meant just that.
If the truth of what happen in the Atlanta Child Murders got out, this city would
not have been awarded the 1996 Summer Olympics. I know telling the
truth would not bring the Children back. The parents and love-ones have the right to the truth. This is what I plan to show them. Here is some of the
evidence I will share with you. Eward Smith and Alfred Evans were found
across from each other. So was Christopher Richardson and Earl Terell.
What do this mean? Just translate the code using these 4 Children initials.
Turn one of the e’s to make a W. the rest is easy. It spells Waynes A S.E.C.R.E.T.
There is so much more with this Sick Minded person, Things that no-one
saw coming. Wayne Williams was not only a Black Serial Killer (topic for
later). What does this tell you about Wayne Williams. When I show you
Wayne Williams True Idenity, you will be shocked and in a state of disbelief.
To all the hate groups, I know it is wrong to be blamed for something that
you did not do. All the same you did support and was happy with what happen
in the Atlanta Child Murders. Even though you were falsely accused, the
accusations were warrantable, with just cause.
Sarah johnson said,
January 18, 2010 at 4:47 am
Hi my name is Sarah! Unlike others who have left comments saying they have evidence, well i have none. Im just extremely curious about this case! 1/15/2010 was the first time i ever seen or heard anything about this case. Me and my boyfriend stayed up late and seen an episode on tru tv about Wayne Williams, and every since then his name have been stuck in my head. ive been googling his name every since. I have a two year old son, and it really hurt my heart when i seen all those innocent kids dead. im not a lawyer or judge and i cant say if this man did it or not but i really want to know the truth! i want evidence shown to whether he did it or not. If he didn’t do the crimes, lord bless his soul! if he did, well he need to be put to death! during the televised interview he seemed calm, honest and innocent but it could of been a front. no one knows how a serial killer really acts. if he is innocent how come he failed a lie detector test and if he’s guilty why wasn’t evidence besides fibers and the bride incident shown? im confused and eager to know what really happened! Please reopen this case someone!!! i will be checking back with this website. I am only 23 years old, not old enough to remember this incident televised or on the radio. i really hope that Wayne is still alive when this case is reopened, i want to hear and see him testify! you guys have no idea how many people is curious and how long we’ve been waiting for these answers. my prayers go out to the family losses, and shall i say only the good lord knows the honest truth!
dee powell said,
February 25, 2010 at 5:11 pm
I have been interested in the atlanta child murders since I was 7 the end of the trial was aired in the middle of all my children. I did not live in atlanta at the time. I have red two books regarding the case The List and The Night Stalker recently released by prosecuter Jack Mallard. while both books opened my eyes I found The List to be more accurate because it went into great detail regarding the case. The police dept at the time was not actively looking into as the other book would have you believe. it came from the mouths of the vicitms parents that once their child came up missing no one bothered to come and ask if their child knew any of the other victims that lived and disappeared from the area. One victim was said to have been linked to at least 16 of the victims. The other book never discussed the child porn angle which a lot of the vicitms were linked that way. One of the men Wayne was supposedly to have murdered was a known homosexual. Wayne may have been a pedophile and homosexual he may have even been present at some of the killings but there is way more to this than what we are being told. it wasn’t until I did some research online did I come across the book The List. I would also like to know why there is hardly any research that can be done online regarding this case and how can I find the old police files and reports if anyone can point me in the right direction I would really appreciate it. also I do not entirely believe that the kkk was involved just like so many say the person doing these killings would have to fit in with the atmosphere. The only white persons that were in the area were police officers as many of the ones that were living in the area at the time mived to the surrounding suburbs years earlier. also it was mentioned by some of the witness of children getting into vehicles, that there was a black man and a red haired white woman picking some of the kids up. Well in The List it is mentioned that the lady may have been an albino male that was a cross dresser.
Pat Schroeder said,
February 28, 2010 at 3:37 pm
I have always believed that Wayne Williams was railroaded right through his arrest and right into prison, while those that committed these murders have never been identified. I still would like to know why the investigation into comments made by the KKK were ignored?
I admire your work and wish you luck arriving at the right conclusion.
BENJAMIN HARBOR said,
April 7, 2010 at 6:51 pm
I plan to return to Atlanta some time this year 2010. I intend to make the truth
about the Atlanta Child Murders known. I just ask that no-one hold the people
who are in office now responsible for the actions of their predecessors some
30 years ago. I know it’s hard to believe that a person some 2600 miles away,
knows more about the Atlanta Child Murders than Law Enforcement that is in
the Atlanta area. I just caught a lucky break and followed all the clues. While
investigating the Atlanta Child Murders I learned that Atlanta is not the only
city where these types of murders. It is hard to believe that a person can obtain
this information by the use of a computer. Again Wayne Williams is responsible
for the Atlanta Child Murders. He is just part of an network, this I will show.
Some people would laugh and even say I am crazy, when I try to explain to them
what happen in the Atlanta Child Murders. But when they see the evidence that I
have, smiles turn upside down, and some times tears appear. I always get the
same question what are you going to do about this, you got to tell some one. I always say in time!! It will be hard for most people to accept that the first 16
Children died only because of their names. Knowing this was one of the methods
used to help figure out what happen in the Atlanta Child Murders. So much to
explain. When I come back to Atlanta this year, I will let the evidence speak for
it self. ONCE THE SPIRIT OF THE TRUTH IS HEARD, THE TRUTH WILL BE KNOWN.
there is no such thing a 27 coinsidences
Fred Mcgavinwire said,
June 11, 2010 at 1:15 pm
Benjamin Harbor,
You keep saying you plan on returning to Atlanta, but for what reason will anyone believe a word you say? 16 Children’s names spelling out a word isn’t evidence, instead it sounds more like a theory. I hardly doubt you have cold hard facts and evidence relating to the Atlanta Child murders so stop wasting these poor families time with nonsense. You’re obsessed with this and need to move on. You said it yourself, all the information you’ve obtained is from the internet! Not to mention your grammar discredits the ego that you know everything more than anyone in this case. If you truly have evidence linking Wayne to the murders, THEN WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? You sound like a fool.
Steve T said,
June 11, 2010 at 9:25 pm
Benny may know what he is taking about if the kids were founded accross from each other. The strange thing about this type of killers, they leave clues and puzzles that you have to figure out and they like to taunt the police. I am sorry but Wayne show he is that type of person in the interview and taunted us with his clues.
Fred Mcgavinwire said,
June 12, 2010 at 2:59 pm
I’m not saying Wayne is innocent or guilty. I’m simply stating that “Benny” has no clue what he’s doing or adding to the case because it sounds like he has nothing but theories at hand. If you have zero hard facts or evidence relating to these cases, then what he has to say is completely useless! You can’t obtain real facts and evidence going through case documents on the internet, plain and simple. We need to discourage these “wannabe” investigators because in reality most of them are uneducated and have no real criminology background; Ultimately wasting authorities time and toying with families emotions. It’s unethical to pursue these practices.
Steve T said,
June 13, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Benny, you are deep. I never would have guess that, but I would assume that you are in law enforcement or trained in that area. Most people do not understand how these killers mind work because they love to play cat and mosue with law enforcement by leaving sick and twisted clues. It seems strange that certain kids would be placed next to each other that were missing weeks apart.
8- On June 9, Christopher Richardson, 12, vanished en route to a neighborhood swimming pool
12- Earl Terrell joined the list on July 30, when he vanished from a public swimming pool. Skeletal remains discovered on January 9, 1981, would yield no clues about the cause of death
There were 3 other in between those two and why would those two be placed next to each other. Since it took a while to find the bodies, he could have placed all four in the same area but he did not. Was he leaving a clue for the police.
Let us look at the letters in the kids name and we notice a pattern.
ES
AE
MH
YB
AL
JM
EM
CR
LW
AW
AC
ET
CJ
DG
CS
LW
AJ
PR
LG
TP
PB
CW
JB
TH
LR
ED
MM
JP
WB
NC
Wayne Bertram Williams is a secret
Neka said,
June 14, 2010 at 5:50 am
Well…I believe I am one of the few natives of Atlanta and directly affected by the murders of children in the early 80′s. Not only was Earl Lee Terrell a cousin of mines but I lived only 4 blocks away from Wayne Williams (unaware of him at the time). Reporters keep talking about how hard it would be for a white person to enter the neighborhood unnoticed but I am proof that that is not exactly true. A white man sat in a tinted car and watched some kids playing. Although I was playing with a little girl named Latonya Wilson, the man seemed focused on her brothers. I made a big deal about it, pointing him out to my mother and other adults. I know he didn’t like the attention and eventually left. I was worried for the kids playing and suggested everyone return to their homes. That night, intruders entered the window of Latonya Wilson and purposely climbed over her brother to get her. It was almost as if they were taunted my attempts to bring attention to them by letting me know that my attempts had been in vain, and taking my playmate at the same time.
Reported to me later by her brother, the perpertrators argued for a minute as to why they should take the girl and risk waking the others when one of the boys would be so much easier as they were more accessible. The leader said that it was an order he had to carry out. That leader being WAYNE WILLIAMS.
He has a lot of people fooled but I personally believe he worked with the KKK when it began to get to risky for them to snatch kids. They needed a black man to do their dirty work. Some I believe he took to them to kill and some I believe he killed on his own. At any rate, it is my opinion that it is this ‘secret society’ he was apart of and disccussed in his interview with Soledad O’brien. This is my theory based on what I know and have read/heard.
I believe the fact that Wayne has began to write an autobiography he ‘secretly’ stashes that exposes his ability in hand to hand combat. Now it may only be a matter of time that he comes completely clean and bring all parties involved to justice. He owes it to the victims, the families and the many people he’s fooled.
K White said,
June 14, 2010 at 6:07 am
Hi. I just caught the tail end of this story on tv. I wanted to read what he had written about his time spent at these “CIA” camps. If anyone can tell me where to find this publication I would be most appreciative. Also, Steve T, I have looked over and over at your list of initials and I cant find the pattern. If you would, would you please enlighten me on the pattern or how to find it for myself. I am excited to research more on the Wayne Williams case. If anyone would like to contact me via email so that we may exchange info on the case. IF ANYONE HAS A COPY OF HIS SO CALLED AUTOBIOGRAPHY OR IF YOU KNOW WHERE I CAN FIND IT PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!!!! Thanks and I look forward to working with some of you soon.
Blackwelder said,
June 15, 2010 at 10:59 pm
The so-called autobiography you speak of was written by Wayne himself in 1992. This writing is not available for purchase. I, however, have a copy and will answer any question(s) you may have.
Dr. Edward Blackwelder
K White said,
June 17, 2010 at 7:54 pm
Dr. Blackwelder,
Is there anyway I could get you to email a copy of it? I am very interested in reading what he says that he was involved in. I saw the documentary on Wayne a week or so ago and since then I have searched the internet to find the piece that he wrote and can not find it anywhere. If you would like my email so that we can discuss this off of the forum that will be fine as well. Thanks so much for all your help!!!
K White said,
July 5, 2010 at 5:13 am
Well it seems as though Blackwelder doesn’t want to be as much help as he claimed he would or ether he is just blowing smoke about having a copy of the publication.
Ben Harbor said,
July 15, 2010 at 2:31 am
Hello to all those who have an intrest in the Atlanta Child Murders. I would like
to say that I do stand by my words. Wayne Williams is responsible for the
Atlanta Child Murders. The Atlanta Child Murders has a terrible secret that has
never been told. For those who are wondering why I been so quiet for so many
years. I will tell you this much Atlanta is not the only place where these type of
murders has happen. This is why I had an advantage over most people who
investigated these Child Murders. You have to understand I can not and will not
put on the I-net what happen in the Child Murders. The information I have is not
only a text-book on how to capture these type of Serial Killers. It is also a text-book on how not to get caught. And yes Mr. Fred nice try, you might think that I would get mad or frustrated and release this information not going to happen.
I will in time do this, when I return to Atlanta, before the end of 2010. Law Enforcement have a hard enough time trying to apprehend these types of Serial
Killers. And I do not wish to make their job any harder. And by the way I never
said that I got all my information from the I-Net. And yes Mr. Fred I was in Atlanta in 1981 and what I discovered you and the rest of the doubters will know
soon enough. I am not trying to show off any Law Enforcement or any-one who
investigated the Atlanta Child Murders. There is something so sinister that happen in the Child Murders, it will be hard to believe , but I have the evidence
that will remove all doubt. And Mr. Fred you remind me of some news reporter
trying to get a scoop. All I ask is for the public trust, in the end no-one be
disappointed. When I return to Atlanta the family members who lost love ones in
this Saga, I would like to meet with them first, and then with the public. I will say
this again the truth will not be kind. All questions about what happen in the
Atlanta Child Murders and other cities who share these types of murders will be
answered.
Ben Harbor said,
July 15, 2010 at 2:43 am
And yes Steve T You are some what correct, I figured out another Serial Murder
Case. Total of five, all like the Atlanta Murders only difference these were white
children and adults murdered. Again all I ask is for your trust, This is a lot to ask
from some-one you do not know. Time will tell all this I promise.
And yes Neka you are right about a secret society but not the way you may
think one would exist.
Amalia said,
October 18, 2010 at 4:18 pm
On July 17, 2009, Mr. Benjamin Harbor Jr. was telling on http://www.splcenter.org/blog/2005/05/11/atlanta-child-murders-case-reopened/
thay Wayne Williams is a Zodiac Killer.
On the same page, on March 1, 2009, he has said that he knew where the remains of Darrow Glass were: “Yes I been to where DARRON GLASS is”
I really believe Mr. Harbor is a total disgrace.
BENJAMIN HARBOR JR. said,
October 19, 2010 at 1:16 pm
Ok Ms Amalia I am glad you did your research. Yes Wayne Williams is a Zoziac
Killer. This is why I had the Advantage of reviewing this case. While the Atlanta Child murders were going on, here in The San Francisco Bay Area we had the same type of murders happening here. Wayne Williams left a lot of clues and
if you do not agree all I can say that is your thought. I know it is hard to accept
the truth. I am still not going to give out full information until I return to Atlanta.
This is a case that carry emotions for a lot of people. I can only tell you the basic
parts of the Atlanta Child Murders. And Ms Amalia you do not have the map that
I obtain which shows the 1st 15 missing and murdered children. If you had
this map you would have a change of mind. Why do you think that this case has
went unsolved for so many years. Everything is not what it seems to be when you
look at the big picture. Make no mistake about what has happen in Atlanta. Not
every-one want this secret known or told. Do you think for one minute that the
City of Atlanta would have been awarded the 96 Summer Olympic Games. Knowing that there was not only a Serial killer at large but a Zodiac Killer. Look
at all the money that the City of Atlanta got by having the Summer Games. I would not be here today had I pursued this. It is not like I just waited 30 years
to talk about this. When I was in Atlanta some 30 years ago, my own research,
I was under close watch. Do not forget I figured out 2 murder cases in 48 hours
(The Atlanta Child Murders and The Trailside Slayings). The Marin County Sheriff
Dept. knew about the murders in Atlanta, how I know? I showed them. The same
type of murders, now do not tell me I a disgrace. I did my part and intend to finish what I started. You have to remember back in 1981 there was a $500.000
reward for information about the Atlanta Child Murders. The information I had
back then was not worth my life and not even today. You have to understand
these sick people exist. Who would of ever thought it Atlanta had not only a
Black Serial Killer but a Zodiac Killer. Now tell me and the people of the San
Francisco Bay Area that there is no such thing as a Zodiac Killer. Again I did go
to where Darren Glass remains were in 1981. If you had the map that I have you
would know the same. So I am not going to talk about the Atlanta Child Murders
or any other cases that I figured out, until I return to Atlanta. Again until all of
the evidence is put out for public view, all I ask is for the Public Trust. We waited
30 years a few more months can’t hurt. THANKS BENJAMIN HARBOR JR.
Bob Lawson said,
January 2, 2011 at 1:31 am
I’m curious know what happened to Wayne Williams’ family? Did he have any siblings? How were his parents impacted? What happened to them after the trial?
I saw a rerun on CNN tonight and these questions came to mind.
Mershaun scott said,
January 13, 2011 at 10:37 pm
Ok I have read all the books but they still leave questions. Like little is said about Willie Hunter if wayne wiliams did do this what about willie.willie was there the whole time.wayne beat his father up because he wouldnt get willie a rental.one of the kids testifying said willie was the main one asking all the question.i think willie is the missing link.everything that is written about willie is he was weird shaddy dark but most important wayne looked up to him.
Mershaun scott said,
January 13, 2011 at 10:40 pm
I have read all the books but they still leave questions. Like little is said about Willie Hunter if wayne wiliams did do this what about willie.willie was there the whole time.wayne beat his father up because he wouldnt get willie a rental.one of the kids testifying said willie was the main one asking all the question.i think willie is the missing link.everything that is written about willie is he was weird shaddy dark but most important wayne looked up to him.
Math Wizard said,
January 16, 2011 at 1:09 pm
I’m just curious…The DNA evidence from his scalp is 1 out of 130, and it excludes 98% of the population including Caucasians and Hispanics. Also, you have the hair from his dog is 1 out of 100. So if you think that Williams is innocent, that would mean out of 130 people, only 00769% portion of the population has the same hair scalp as him, and out of this portion of the population, there was a man that just HAPPENED to have the same type of Dog as him, which is .01% of the dog population?? The odds here are ASTRONOMICAL. There would have to be somebody in that .00769% multiplied by the .01% of dog hair that COINCEDENTALLY have the Same match as Williams, which mathematically excludes all other suspects. Williams committed these crimes, the odds are just WAY TOO high, there is less that 1% chance that somebody else would match these NUMBERS, and this is besides the fact that he HAS THE CRIMINAL PROFILE of the killer and he failed 3 LIE DETECTOR TESTS and he was on the BRIDGE at the time of the splash. Taken together, the chance that Williams is FALSELY ACCUSED is less that 1/2 of
1%. Circumstantial evidence IS EVIDENCE….HE”S GUILTY..>END OF STORY.
Blaine Ward said,
January 17, 2011 at 2:02 pm
The KKK (the Sanders family among others) committed some of the murders (Lubie Geter, for example). Jamie Brooks (the laundromat manager) killed Clifford Jones. A pedophile/child pornography ring (some of whom were satanists) killed a large number of the victims. The police knew who the real killers were but protected them because the pedophile/porn/satanists had members amongst the police force and amongst city officials. Wayne Williams may have been used as an accessory in these murders but he didn’t actually murder anyone. As for him being on the bridge, that was a set up. The splash? There was no splash. All part of the set up.
Blaine Ward said,
January 18, 2011 at 7:10 am
Camille, my dear, I feel for you. Yusuf would be 40 years old today and there is no doubt he would be a successful, productive member of his community. He is your little angel and I can tell that you loved him very much. He knows that and, from heaven, he is watching over you.
B.Huck said,
March 15, 2011 at 3:23 pm
I have a lot of interest in the Wayne Williams case, with all this comotion of him being innocent or not is alot of frustration on the public. I have done a research paper on this and This is the mlost complicated case i have ever read about or wrote on. The meetings you talk about with Wayne Williams.. I absolutely respect you for that. Yes i can say that i dnt know ifhe is innocent or not. But I have always noticed people change. No one will ever know the truth about this case… those who were there cant speak up.. o the public speaks for them. Only the good lord above knows what really happened. whetheris was pre meditated or not. He is the only judge in my book. I think Wayne Williams should be on tru tv and tell his story i think he has been there long enough and been punished. Harbor… i want to see proof.. I am studying criminal justice here in Milledgeville. I would really need to further my education on this before i could really disburse my wayne williams verdict. I thank you for this great blog because it has really helped me in my research.
Phil said,
September 28, 2011 at 8:45 pm
CHARLES STEPHENS
A reconstruction
On October 9 1980, 12-year old Charles Stephens went missing. He lived at 1707 Pryor Circle and was no stranger to trouble in his neighborhood. He had once been accused by neighbors of killing their dog and of stealing their tv set. Jerome Clark, another neighbor, had seen Charles playing on a skateboard near the dumpster in front of his house on Pryor Circle on the evening on October 9th somewhere around 8:30 or 8:45 pm. Clark saw a black man emerge from between 1701 and 1714 Pryor Circle. Clark spoke to the man but he did not respond. Three days later, October 12 1980, he saw the same man walking in the neighborhood. He said it was the same man he had seen between 1701 and 1714.
A 15-year old boy told police that he knew Charles Stephens. He said that Charles had a male friend whom he met everyday at about 4 o’clock, except Saturday and Sunday, for two consecutive weeks. They would meet about one block from Stephens’ house. On September 24 1980, about two weeks before Charles disappeared, the boy accompanied him and the man on a ride. Upon returning, they got out of the car and the man said, “Charles, remember what you got to do tomorrow?”, to which Charles replied, “Yes”. The boy also told police that he would on occasion follow Charles to his daily meetings. He would watch Charles get into the man’s car and they would drive off. The car was a brown two-door. The boy described another car that Charles and the man had ridden in. A Ford LTD, red inside and out, with wire-chrome wheels.
The boy told police that he and Charles smoked a joint after their ride with the man. When asked by his mother, the boy said that Charles was selling reefer and that he’d seen Charles with a stack of small yellow envelopes tied together with a rubber band. The boy witnessed Charles selling the reefer to people on the street. Charles’ customers included several adults and also children in the neighborhood.
It is obvious at this point that the black man was a dope dealer and that Charles was selling dope for this man. There was another suspect. And also another witness who told a fascinating story. This witness went to police on October 11 1980, the day after Stephens’ body was found.. He told police that on the same day Charles Stephens disappeared, he had gotten into the car of a client of his to sell drugs. It was around 10:30 pm, October 9 1980. When the drug dealer looked into the back seat of the car he saw a young boy lying lifeless with his head turned towards the trunk and wrapped in a sheet. When the drug dealer asked about the boy, the driver of the car became angry and told him the boy was merely doped up and passed out.
The drug dealer stated to police that he was concerned about the boy because he didn’t look doped up but worse off, possibly dead. The driver of the car told the dealer to forget what he saw. He later threatened the dealer with his life if he had said anything about the boy in the backseat. It was then that the dealer went to police and told them the story. He added that he knew the man to be a pedophile and had on occasions been offered money to find the driver young boys with whom he could have sex. The body in the car was obviously Charles Stephens. It could not possibly have been anyone else.
This suspect is white and is obviously linked with the black man whom Charles sold dope for. The black man passed Charles along to the white suspect for a sexual encounter and this white suspect killed him. The red fibers on Stevens’ body came from the red interior of the black man’s Ford LTD. The white suspect had a common law wife and some homosexual partners who lived in boarding homes located off Bankhead Highway (U.S. 278) and Jackson Parkway. The witness said that he had been to this location and he said that the carpet in this apartment was green. Remember all the green fibers found on several of the victims’ bodies?
This suspect, that apartment with green carpeting is, needless to say, a very big and very important part of the puzzle in solving the Atlanta Youth Murders. It is highly likely that the black man was Parnell Traham or at least someone closely associated with him who helped him run his drug trafficking operations. The white suspect is likely a Sanders family member or, again, someone closely associated with them. Charles Stephens’ body was found near the entrance to a trailer park often frequented by members of the Sanders family. Brown Caucasian hairs were found on Stephens’ body. This only backs up the belief that the second suspect is indeed white. Charles body did come into contact with a Caucasian man who was very likely the one who killed him.
Charles sells reefer for a black man (possibly Traham) who then passes him along to the white suspect (possibly a Sanders) who had asked several times for boys to have sex with, and kills him (the body in the car). This is supported by an April 23 1981 CBS tv news report spoke of a black man who used to live in Miami (Traham used to live in Miami) and who hated children and delivered some of them to whites to kill.
Phil said,
September 28, 2011 at 8:46 pm
LATONYA WILSON
A reconstruction
In the early morning hours of Sunday June 22 1980, a man removed the window pane (replaced only the day before by a maintenance man) of a second floor apartment (#7) at 2261 Verbena, where Latonya lived with her family. He deposited the window pane in a dumpster about 20ft away. Neighbor Gladys Durden says she saw the man enter the apartment three times. After the fourth time, the man had Latonya in his arms. This would have been difficult to accomplish. By entering through that window, he would step squarely onto a bed (Latonya’s brothers). He then would have had to walk past her parents’ room to get to Latonya’s room, where she was sleeping next to her sister, and pick her up from her bed. No one woke up. Nevertheless, this is how it was done. The man exited the apartment through the back door, which he left ajar. Next, the neighbor said that the kidnapper stopped in the parking lot to talk to another black man.
Earlier that evening, Saturday June 21 1980, a neighbor of the Wilsons, upon returning home, noticed two males and a female lurking around the back end of the Wilson apartment and walking along the driveway. It was too dark for him to furnish detailed descriptions of these individuals. He also noticed an old type van parked in the driveway. He went to his apartment, which was next to the Wilson apartment, and went into the kitchen. He heard some screaming coming from the Wilson apartment and said it sounded like someone was getting spanked. A “whipping”, he said. Then Latonya’s mother screamed and yelled “Stop”. An hour and a half later, the neighbor left his apartment. He saw Ella Wilson sitting on her balcony. He called out to her but she ignored him. She seemed very upset about something. That night, the kidnapping occurred.
Now, in the parking lot, the two perpetrators argued about why they should take the girl instead of one of the boys. One of them said it was an order that had to be carried out. It is very strongly suspected that Latonya’s parents had something to do with her disappearance. For one thing, they never got involved in searching for her. They were likely involved in the drug traffic run by the cult or where members of the cult. One of their sons was selected as a victim. But the Wilson’s either disrespected some internal code and were punished by being forced to give up their daughter (instead of one of their sons) or they themselves decided to get rid of/give up their daughter instead, possibly because of misbehavior on Latonya’s part (the spanking). This was the order that had to be carried out. It would explain why Ella Wilson seemed so upset. She did not agree with the change of plans.
Basically, Latonya’s parents were in on the whole thing and the abduction was arranged to look like a break and enter kidnapping. The way it actually happened bears this out. There is no way it could have happened the way it did without anyone waking up. Impossible. Even Latonya apparently did not wake up. Only one explanation is possible for this. Latonya was given a sedative by her parents. This would explain the neighbor saying that he did not see Latonya at all that evening after the spanking incident and also why Latonya’s body was limp under the abductor’s arm. The people seen lurking around earlier that evening were the kidnappers who were sent out to do the job and were “casing the joint” waiting for the right time. Once inside, the abductor was told by one or both of Latonya’s parents to take her instead. This would explain why the two perpetrators argued as to why they should take her instead. It would also explain why the abductor went in and out so many times. He either disagreed with the change of plans or simply went in and out to consult with Latonya’s parents and the other perpetrators. Latonya’s brothers, who slept in the bed directly under the window through which the abductor entered, were either given sedatives as well, slept elsewhere, or saw something and were threatened into silence. There is a remote possibility that they too were in on it. It is also strongly suspected that one of the two men in the parking lot was Nathaniel Cater, who lived upstairs from the Wilsons. He could even be the one asked why the girl was taken instead of one of the boys. In any case, he very likely played a part in all this. So did the maintenance man. The putty around the removed window pane was fresh as he had replaced it the previous day. This would have allowed easy removal.
The circumstances and the events as they happened clearly imply premeditation. The way it happened was just too easy. This was not a random abduction. It was carefully planned.
john said,
December 23, 2011 at 2:42 am
I was a young kid at the time of the murders lving in a working class but nice neighborhood in Detroit, mi that I miss lving in. but that is beside the point true community you do not find aymore and even with all the abd things of the city which now iw ant to leave after the death of my mom and job slow down. Anyway, I do not mean to be off the subject. I reember people talking about it and being of the age where some of the kids were that were killed. Adults were fearful for us and me and neighbor kids were not allowed to roam on our own. i remember it beng on the news a lot. I been reading and watching programs on it i always wondered if the killing continued after the arrest? It is possible he killed some of the poor victims but i do not believe all of them if any. my hope is that it is investagated as much as it can be. i not heard anything new. time is moving along. there are so many sensless killngs here and high crime . id like to see justice carried out and for folks to be sure that those responsible are put to justice. any further updates please let us know.
Valencia said,
December 26, 2011 at 6:11 pm
I was a friend of Yusuf Bell, I lived in the McDaniel Glen apartments also. I attended school with him and his siblings. I also sung at his funeral. I often think of the family and the effects that this has had on them as well as the people who knew Yusuf. I am a firm believer that Wayne Williams did not commit the murders of all those kids.
Benjamin Harbor said,
March 2, 2012 at 4:15 am
Hello Professor Edward: I am geting ready to return to Atlanta. And would like to meet with you and some of the parents and family members who lost a love one in the ATL Child Murders. I will share the evidence of my 20 plus years of research. I will leave no doubt this time. So if you are willing to meet with me. You have my e-mail address and phone numbers. Make no mistake I can prove
beyond a shadow of doubt, about what happen in the Atlanta Child Murders.
The Atlanta Child Murders has a secret that needs to be told. And again Yes
The City Of Atlanta is not alone. Thank You Benjamin Harbor Jr.
Browny said,
March 27, 2012 at 5:21 pm
March 27, 2012
In the summer (July) of 1979 an unknown adult male called my home. My ten-year-old son answered the phone.
The man repeatedly told my son “I am going to kill you!”
When I returned after about ten minutes to my home, my son was visibly frightened, and told me what the man had said over the phone. I tried to relax my child by brushing it off as a “prank” call.
I never told anyone about the incident, but here it is NOW, thirty-odd years later, and I asked my son,…who is now a full-grown adult… if he remembered the incident.
He emphatically answered…”Do I? Yes, indeed I do!! That man had me almost “scared to death”; afraid to do anything, to move, to play, to go to bed, etc: Man, was I scared of him!”
I often thought of the incident, but kept it secretly to myself that my belief is that the call had come to my home in NYC from Atlanta, Georgia where I known quite a few people.
But, in July, 1979 there was no such thing as “Atlanta Child Murders”; that title came later when all the bodies began to be found.
After all these years would it be possible to trace the call to find out from which number it came?