In a case that has sparked widespread outrage and reignited debates around U.S. immigration enforcement, a 52-year-old woman from Georgia, Camelia Williams, was found dead near her home earlier this month. The suspect accused of taking her life is 21-year-old Hector David Sagastume Rivas, a man who, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), had previously entered the country illegally and was released by authorities after being detained at the southern border in 2021.
A Family in Shock and Grief
Camelia Williams was more than just a name in a report—she was a beloved mother, grandmother, and sister. Her family, now left grappling with an unexpected and devastating loss, is calling for the harshest punishment for the man who allegedly took her life. Speaking from outside the Cobb County Jail, where the suspect is being held without bond, Williams’ brothers expressed deep sorrow and anger. One of her brothers, visibly emotional, called the suspect a “killer” and said, “You take someone’s life, your life is nothing to me.” The family strongly believes that her death was preventable and insists that justice should include the death penalty.
Details of the Crime Emerge
According to Cobb County Police and court documents, the murder took place on Pat Mell Road, near South Cobb Drive. Authorities found Camelia’s body in bushes on the side of a yard. The arrest warrant reveals harrowing details about how Williams was killed. Investigators say Sagastume Rivas allegedly placed her in a chokehold, causing her to lose consciousness. Once she was unconscious, he reportedly applied both knees and his full body weight onto her neck, leading to her death.
One family member believes the murder was premeditated, describing the suspect as having stalked Camelia before ultimately attacking and strangling her. Police have since charged Sagastume Rivas with murder and aggravated assault.
A System Failure, According to the Family
Adding another layer to the family’s pain is the revelation about the suspect’s immigration status. ICE has confirmed that Sagastume Rivas is in the U.S. illegally. He was apprehended at the southern border in 2021 but was released while awaiting a court hearing. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security acknowledged that he was never deported or removed, and instead, he was issued a court date.
For Williams’ brothers, this failure by the immigration system is one of the most painful aspects of the tragedy. “My sister lost her life because the system failed to deport him after they had him in custody,” one brother said. They expressed frustration and disbelief that someone caught at the border and known to be undocumented was released into the country without being properly monitored or deported. “Do you honestly think that he would have come back to court if he was illegal? No,” said one family member.
Seeking Justice in Georgia
Although the family lives in Louisiana, they have committed to attending the trial in Georgia. For them, justice means more than just a conviction—it means the ultimate punishment for the man accused of ending their sister’s life. “My sister took her last breath in Georgia,” said her brother. “So he needs to take his last breath in Georgia.”
As the legal process unfolds, the suspect remains behind bars at Cobb County Jail with no bond. The case continues to draw public attention, not only because of the gruesome nature of the crime but also because of the questions it raises about border security, immigration policy, and the responsibilities of federal agencies.
A Story Beyond Headlines
At the heart of this tragedy is a grieving family left with a void that can never be filled. Camelia Williams was not a statistic; she was a woman who loved and was loved. Her death has shaken a community and reignited a national conversation about accountability, justice, and immigration reform. While the suspect awaits trial, her family holds on to the hope that the justice system will not fail them again.