DISCLAIMER: This story references domestic violence. If you or someone you know needs help, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1(800)799-7233 or texting 88788.

ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - A Dougherty County woman spoke out Thursday, May 7, after her mother and aunt’s killer entered a guilty plea, avoiding the death penalty.

“When you commit a crime such as this, you don’t hurt just that person. You hurt generations. You break families apart,” Cassenda Nelson, the daughter and niece of the victims, said.

According to an indictment filed in October 2017, Arelious Haynes Jr. faced:

• Malice Murder (two counts)
• Felony Murder (two counts)
• Aggravated Assault (two counts)
• Aggravated Battery (two counts)
• Cruelty to Children in 2nd Degree (four counts)
• Aggravating Circumstances

This is in connection to the 2017 deaths of Francis Nelson and Mamie Childs.

While Haynes Jr. didn’t plead guilty to all of the charges, he did plead guilty to the malice murder counts. This resulted in him being sentenced to two life sentences that will run concurrently.

The family of the victims decided not to take the case to trial, allowing Haynes Jr. to enter a guilty plea. They said this is because children were present when the heinous crime took place, and the children would potentially have had to testify.

“After eight years, eight months and 15 days to the day that he was sentenced, I wanted to make it as simple as possible. He was guilty,” Cassenda Nelson said.

According to court documents, on Aug. 18, 2017, Haynes, “…did maliciously cause bodily harm to (the victims) by seriously disfiguring (their bodies)… striking (them) with an unknown sharp object causing a severe and deep laceration to the head.”

In support of the cruelty to children counts, the indictment stated that Haynes, “…did, with criminal negligence, cause (the children)… cruel mental pain by repeatedly striking (the victims)… while (the children) were present to see and hear.”

The indictment is referring to Cassenda Nelson’s kids. She said it affects them both in different ways, one more than the other.

“It’s something that’s embedded in her. I have to walk her through those moments. When she’s seizing or having those nightmares. I walk her though every episode to tell her she’s safe,” Cassenda Nelson said.

With the incident being domestic in nature, Cassenda Nelson launched a non-profit organization, I & A Divyne Purpose Incorporated, aimed at supporting individuals and survivors of domestic violence.

“My mom and my aunt have transitioned, but there are women and people that are going through the same fight right now. So, I want them to see that there is a way out, regardless of what your past story is,” Cassenda Nelson said. “There is a rainbow after every cloud, after every storm. I didn’t want to step into this space as a victim. I wanted to step into this space as someone who is victorious.”

If you or someone you may know is suffering from domestic violence, remember help is available 24/7.

National Domestic Violence Hotline:

• Call: 1(800)799-7233
• Text: 88788

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