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MITCHELL COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) – The South Georgia District Attorney’s Office has secured a conviction and life sentence in the 2023 double homicide that shocked the Pelham community.

Deonta Lamar Williams was found guilty of the murders of Stanley Forney and Terrience Hallmon, who were fatally shot in Mitchell County in January 2023. After a two-day trial, the jury deliberated for eight and a half hours before returning a guilty verdict. On Thursday, July 10, 2025, Chief Judge Heather Lanier sentenced Williams to life in prison without the possibility of parole, along with an additional 15 years.

The case, formally titled State of Georgia v. Deonta Lamar Williams, was prosecuted by Chief Assistant District Attorney Michael Bankston.

District Attorney Joseph K. Mulholland praised the work of law enforcement and the legal team for their diligence and dedication to the case.

“I want to sincerely thank the Pelham Police Department, the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and every other participant who dedicated their time and effort to this thorough investigation,” said DA Mulholland. “Their unwavering commitment was instrumental in bringing justice to the victims and their families.”

Mulholland also expressed hope that the verdict offers some solace to those grieving the loss of Forney and Hallmon.

“We hope that this conclusion helps the families of Stanley Forney and Terrience Hallmon find some closure following the heartbreaking loss of their loved ones,” he added.

Previous Coverage:

• Man arrested in Pelham double homicide
• GBI: 2 killed in Mitchell County shooting

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