Clayton County Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder of Mother

CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — A Clayton County jury convicted a man of murder in the 2020 shooting death of his mother after rejecting an insanity defense during a trial that concluded last month, according to the Clayton County District Attorney’s Office.

30-year-old Anfernee Markese Williams was found guilty but mentally ill on charges of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, and Aggravated Assault.

Prosecutors said the case stemmed from the Nov. 17, 2020, killing of 54-year-old Bettie Faye McReynolds Sanders at a residence in Morrow, Georgia.

According to evidence presented at trial, officers with the Morrow Police Department responded after Williams reported that he had shot and killed his mother. Prosecutors said Williams told officers he believed Sanders had “demons in her head” and that he had to kill her.

Williams raised an insanity defense during the trial based on statements involving alleged hallucinations and demons, according to prosecutors.

However, the state presented evidence disputing the defense, including testimony regarding Williams’ marijuana use, his stable home environment, the lack of any formal psychiatric diagnosis, and the nature of the victim’s injuries.

Prosecutors also argued that even if Williams’ conduct involved mental health issues, it did not meet Georgia’s legal standard for insanity at the time of the offense.

The trial began April 20, 2026, and concluded April 28, when the jury returned guilty but mentally ill verdicts on all charges.

Senior Judge Linda B. Cowen sentenced Williams to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The prosecution team included Assistant District Attorneys Demarius Newsome and Anthony McKee.

District Attorney Tasha M. Mosley said the conviction reflects the office’s commitment to pursuing justice for the victim and her family.