Man Sentenced to Life Without Parole Plus 20 Years for Murder of Girlfriend and Estranged Wife

Arrief McKenzie has been sentenced to life without parole plus 20 years for the murder of his estranged wife, Niki McKenzie, following a guilty plea. The sentencing hearing, held on March 24, 2025, included testimony from victim’s family, former coworkers, the defendant’s family, and a psychologist.

In 2019, McKenzie pleaded guilty to family violence battery against Niki McKenzie and was ordered to have no contact with her. He moved to Gwinnett County and began a relationship with Jillian Myles-Walters.

On March 3, 2020, McKenzie fatally stabbed Myles-Walters at her apartment in Gwinnett County. He then drove to Niki McKenzie’s Newton County home.

As Niki McKenzie opened her garage to leave for work, McKenzie ambushed her, stabbing her 21 times with the same knife used to kill Myles-Walters. Family members called 911. Niki McKenzie was found dead at the scene.

McKenzie was later stopped for suspected DUI in Dunwoody, where officers found blood on his clothes and the murder weapon in his vehicle.

The case was prosecuted by the District Attorney’s Office, with investigations conducted by the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, Gwinnett County Police Department, and other agencies.

“I first want to thank Niki’s family for their everlasting support of their loved one. She raised amazing children who will push forward and do great things. While this conclusion will not undo what happened, the sentence will provide some level of justice for the family. But it also sends a strong message to our community that crimes like this will lead to the most severe consequences. I also want to thank the hard work of multiple agencies working together to bringing justice to Niki’s family.”, said District Attorney Randy McGinley.

Charges related to the murder of Jillian Myles-Walters are pending in Gwinnett County.