37-Year-Old Cold Case Solved: Albany Woman Convicted in Daughter’s 1988 Murder

On August 27, 2025, a Dougherty County jury found Evelyn Odom, also known as Zmecca Luciana, guilty of Felony Murder, Cruelty to Children in the First Degree, Conspiracy to Conceal the Death of Another, and Concealing the Death of Another, for the 1988 murder of her 5-year-old daughter, Kenyatta “KeKe” Odom. Ulyster Sanders, Evelyn’s boyfriend at the time, previously pled guilty to Concealing the Death of Another Person and False Statements, with sentencing pending.

The case began on December 21, 1988, when the GBI assisted the Ware County Sheriff’s Office after the body of a young girl was found in a container encased in concrete near Millwood, Georgia. For decades, investigators struggled to identify the child despite extensive forensic testing, national media coverage, and collaboration with social service agencies.

In 2019, investigators turned to genetic genealogy, eventually linking the child to a family in Albany. A public tip in 2022 confirmed the child’s identity as Kenyatta Odom. Subsequent investigation revealed Evelyn Odom and Ulyster Sanders were responsible for her death.

Following the identification, both suspects were arrested on November 9, 2023. The investigation and prosecution involved extensive coordination between the Dougherty and Waycross Judicial Circuits, the GBI, NCMEC, NamUs, the University of North Texas, Gene by Gene, Othram, Inc., Innovative Forensic Investigations, and other partners.

“This conviction brings long-awaited justice for Kenyatta and her surviving family,” said Dougherty County District Attorney Greg Edwards. Evelyn Odom’s trial provides closure for a case that spanned 37 years and highlights the power of modern forensic science and dedicated investigative work.