Gwinnett County Father Sentenced to Multiple Life Terms in Death of 10-Year-Old Daughter and Child Abuse Case

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — A Gwinnett County jury has convicted a Lawrenceville man on multiple felony charges connected to the death of his 10-year-old daughter and years of abuse involving several children living in his home.

William Linn McCue, 51, was found guilty of felony murder, two counts of rape, three counts of aggravated child molestation and two counts of incest.

Following the verdict, McCue was sentenced to three consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, followed by a fourth life sentence and an additional 120 years in prison.

The case began in April 2022 when authorities investigated a fatal house fire at a residence on Beaver Road in Lawrenceville. The fire was later determined to be arson.

Initially, the investigation led to the arrest of McCue and Carina Wisniewski’s 15-year-old son, who was charged with malice murder and felony murder in connection with the death of his 10-year-old sibling, Zoe McCue, who died in the fire.

As investigators continued examining the circumstances surrounding the blaze, they uncovered evidence indicating the five children living in the home had been subjected to unsafe and unsanitary conditions.

According to investigators, the residence contained dangerous living conditions, including a bathtub being used as a makeshift bed inside a windowless bathroom where Zoe’s body was discovered following the fire.

The broader investigation revealed evidence of prolonged abuse involving Zoe and her siblings, ultimately leading to charges against McCue.

Following the discovery of the conditions inside the home, McCue and Wisniewski fled the area. In June 2022, they were located and captured in White County through a coordinated effort involving the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office, Gwinnett County Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service, Union County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Georgia State Patrol, Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services, and the White County Sheriff’s Office.

Prosecutors said the conviction and sentence reflect the severity of the crimes committed against the children and the devastating loss suffered by the family.

The Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office stated that the outcome demonstrates its commitment to protecting children, supporting victims and holding offenders accountable for crimes committed against vulnerable members of the community.

Authorities said their thoughts remain with the surviving victims and the loved ones affected by the tragic case.