Lithonia Man Convicted of Murder in Gwinnett Woman’s Death, Sentenced to Life

On Friday, August 16, 2024, DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced that James Lee Griffin, Jr., 60, of Lithonia, has been convicted by a jury of Felony Murder, Malice Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Concealing the Death of Another Person. The conviction relates to the murder of Kathleen Bass, 39, from Gwinnett County.

The case dates back to June 12, 2020, when Kathleen Bass was last seen alive. On July 23, 2020, construction worker at the intersection of Lithonia Industrial Boulevard and Hillandale Drive discovered a blue container with what appeared to be human remains inside. The worker, who was preparing the site to lay fiber cables, noticed a foul odor and an upside-down container. After moving the container with construction equipment, he found the remains wrapped in sheets.

The discovery was reported in the media, leading to anonymous tips that linked the remains to Kathleen Bass and suggested that Griffin should be investigated. A bag of trash found near the container included a pizza box with a receipt bearing Griffin’s name, phone number, and an address for an apartment on Hillandale Drive in Lithonia.

Upon executing a search warrant at Griffin’s apartment, DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD) found the residence had been hastily vacated. Blood stains and a strong bleach odor were present, and further analysis revealed both Griffin’s and the victim’s DNA.

Trial evidence included testimony from a witness who had dropped Bass off at the apartment complex to meet Griffin early on June 12, 2020. Ring security footage showed Griffin dragging a matching blue container out of his apartment shortly after Bass disappeared. Forensic examination of the remains revealed two wedge-shaped tool marks on multiple ribs, indicating stabbing with a knife.

Griffin moved to Arkansas following the murder and began working as a truck driver. He was apprehended on September 17, 2020, when he returned to DeKalb County to check in with his bonding agency on a separate matter.

Judge Asha F. Jackson, who presided over the trial, sentenced Griffin to life in prison plus ten years immediately following the verdict.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Scacco and Senior Assistant District Attorney Furhawn Shah, with support from District Attorney Investigator Antoine Winston and Victim Advocate Christy Palmer. DKPD Det. Hoyt led the initial investigation.