Acworth Man Sentenced to Life Without Parole for Role in Deadly Home Invasion Plot

Cobb County District Attorney Flynn D. Broady Jr. announced that 26-year-old Rodney Jacob Sanders has been found guilty of multiple charges, including voluntary manslaughter, five counts of felony murder, aggravated assault, and several counts related to home invasion, robbery, and burglary.

The charges stem from a tragic incident on May 16, 2023, when Sanders and three accomplices—Cibias Vieira, Jaiden Crawford, and David Travis—attempted to break into a home in Acworth. After the initial break-in, Sanders returned to the victim’s home under the guise of assisting with door repairs. While pretending to help, Sanders relayed information about the victim’s home to his co-defendants.

Hours later, the accomplices returned while the victim was inside with his girlfriend. As the victim tried to prevent them from entering by bracing the door, he called out to his girlfriend to “get the gun.” Two of the co-defendants fired through the door, fatally wounding the victim.

All three accomplices testified against Sanders, identifying him as the mastermind behind the plot. As a result, Vieira, Travis, and Crawford were sentenced to 35 years, 35 years, and 20 years in prison, respectively. Sanders was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole by Superior Court Judge Angela Z. Brown.

“This life sentence ensures Sanders is held fully accountable for his actions and serves as a reminder that such crimes will not be tolerated in Cobb County,” said District Attorney Broady.

Assistant District Attorneys Jason D. Treadaway and Karyn Boothe prosecuted the case, with Sanders being represented by attorney Kevin J. Rodgers.