Georgia Man Sentenced to Life After Guilty Plea in Camper Killing of Girlfriend

CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga. – A Griffin man pleaded guilty to malice murder Tuesday in the shooting death of his girlfriend, ending a yearlong investigation into the killing of a Michigan woman whose body was discovered along a Ringgold nature trail.

Joseph Mays, 34, admitted in Catoosa County Superior Court to killing 36-year-old Jamie Wiley on Jan. 17, 2025, while the two were living together in Wiley’s camper at an RV park. Authorities said Mays shot Wiley in the head inside the camper before attempting to conceal the crime by dumping her body near a creek alongside the Chief Richard Taylor Nature Trail.

Members of a walking group discovered Wiley’s body the following morning. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation launched an inquiry, but Wiley’s identity remained unknown for nearly 48 hours because Mays had removed her phone and wallet.

Investigators later identified Wiley through fingerprint analysis. After relatives directed agents toward Mays, investigators interviewed him, and he confessed to the killing while claiming self-defense. Authorities said physical evidence and Mays’ actions after the shooting did not support a justifiable homicide claim.

Mays had been scheduled for a jury trial in March 2026 but entered a guilty plea at the conclusion of pretrial motions. Superior Court Judge Don W. Thompson sentenced him to life in the Georgia Department of Corrections, with eligibility for parole after serving 30 years.

The investigation was led by Georgia Bureau of Investigation Agent Will Gee. Acting District Attorney Deanna Reisman prosecuted the case with assistance from Chief Investigator Christy Smith, Victim Advocate Shelby Armstrong, and Legal Assistant Leann Black.

“While no sentence can ever restore the life that was taken or erase the pain inflicted, the outcome in this case delivers accountability, protects our community, and sends a message that domestic violence will be prosecuted with the full force of the law,” Reisman said. “Jamie’s family supported this guilty plea and life sentence as it showed that Mays finally accepted responsibility for Jamie’s murder.”