Monday, June 7, 2010

Between 1979 and 1981, 30 young African-Americans between ages 9 and 28 were either killed or declared missing in what was known as the "Atlanta Child Murders" case. The victims' bodies were found in wooded lots, vacant buildings and the Chattahoochee River. Ultimately, on February 27, 1982, Wayne Bertram Williams was found guilty on two counts of murder in the Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta, Georgia. He was sentenced to two consecutive life terms. Williams was implicated in at least a dozen other murders.

Eric Hickey, PhD started his career in 1981, the summer Williams was caught. Based in Atlanta, Dr. Hickey interviewed many people at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation who were involved with the Williams case. He also went to the crime lab that analyzed case evidence and reviewed the autopsy reports. Before Dr. Hickey left Atlanta, he wrote a book about serial killers and received a grant to interview them across the country. Dr. Hickey has since developed an internationally recognized expertise in sex crimes and homicide including serial and mass murder.

Activists who believe in the innocence of Williams asked Dr. Hickey to come back and revisit the dump sites of Williams' alleged victims. For years, Williams has declared his innocence. "The psychopathology points to the killer," Dr. Hickey points out. "He had to be part of the community, have access to the children, and act with impunity to lure them in. I am 100% sure Williams is the killer. He fits the profile exactly. Wayne Williams killed at least 17 of Atlanta's children and deserves to spend his life in prison."

The Atlanta Child Murders documentary premieres at 6:00pm PDT Thursday, June 10th. It will air at 5:00pm, 8:00pm and 11:00pm on Saturday and Sunday nights, June 12-13.

The California School of Forensic Studies (CSFS) is part of Alliant International University, a nonprofit institution of higher learning accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Alliant is an equal opportunity employer and educator.