In a case that has reignited the national debate over immigration policy and public safety, a man identified as an undocumented immigrant from Honduras is facing felony murder and assault charges in Georgia. The suspect, 21-year-old David Hector Rivas, has been accused of killing 52-year-old Camelia Williams, a mother of five and grandmother, in what authorities are calling a brutal and senseless act of violence.
A Life Cut Short
Camelia Williams had moved from Louisiana to the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia, in recent years, seeking a better life and a peaceful environment for her and her family. Her loved ones describe her as a caring mother, deeply committed to her children, and a warm-hearted woman who had built a life filled with love and resilience. Her sudden and violent death has left a painful void in her community and devastated her five children. A GoFundMe campaign has since been launched by her family to raise funds for her funeral expenses, further illustrating the emotional and financial hardship the tragedy has caused.
According to reports, the events leading to her death were horrifying. An arrest warrant obtained by local media claims that David Rivas allegedly put Williams in a chokehold before kneeling on her neck with his full body weight. The injuries she sustained from this assault proved fatal. The case has sent shockwaves across Georgia, with citizens and leaders expressing grief, anger, and frustration.
A Troubled History with Immigration Authorities
Rivas’s presence in the United States has added a deeply controversial layer to the case. According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Rivas was initially apprehended after crossing the southern border in March 2021. He was given a Notice to Appear in immigration court but failed to do so. Despite missing his court appearance, Rivas remained in the country for years. In July 2023, more than two years after his arrival, a judge ordered him to be deported. However, by that time, he had already embedded himself in the community, and the deportation order was never executed.
Nearly two years later, in early 2025, Rivas was arrested and charged with the murder of Williams, casting a harsh spotlight on the gaps in the immigration enforcement system. Many have questioned how someone with an active deportation order remained free and able to allegedly commit such a heinous crime.
A Divided Political Response
The incident has prompted an immediate and emotional response from political figures in Georgia and beyond. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp released a statement assuring the public that violent criminals will face the full weight of the state’s justice system. He emphasized that Georgia will not tolerate such acts of violence and promised to work with federal authorities to ensure Rivas is held accountable.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene also weighed in on the incident, calling the killing “completely avoidable” and blaming what she described as “Democrats’ open borders” for the tragedy. Her comments have echoed sentiments from others who argue that more stringent immigration enforcement could have prevented the crime.
Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a statement reinforcing the position of former President Donald Trump and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. It stated that under their leadership, they would not permit “criminal illegal aliens, including accused murderers, to be loose on American streets.”
A Grieving Family’s Demand for Justice
As the legal process begins, the family of Camelia Williams is calling for justice, not deportation. They have made it clear that they do not want Rivas sent back to Honduras. Instead, they believe he should face the consequences of his actions within the United States and are advocating for the death penalty. Their stance reflects not only their grief but their determination to see accountability delivered through the justice system.
The case continues to unfold as ICE has reportedly issued a detainer on Rivas, ensuring that if he is released from local custody, he will be transferred into federal immigration custody. The investigation remains ongoing, and the trial ahead is expected to attract national attention.
For many Americans, the tragedy of Camelia Williams is more than just a headline—it’s a heartbreaking reminder of the human toll behind immigration policy failures and the enduring need for reforms that prioritize both compassion and safety.