MARIETTA, GA – A Cobb County grand jury has indicted Hector Sagastume Rivas on multiple charges, including malice murder and felony murder, in a case involving the brutal killing of a local grandmother. The charges, announced this week, also include aggravated assault, rape, aggravated sexual battery, and necrophilia.
The victim, identified as Camillia Williams, was found deserted in the underbrush of a Marietta neighborhood on March 13. Authorities apprehended Rivas five days after the gruesome discovery. Describing the nature of the crime, Cobb County District Attorney Sonya Allen termed it as “truly heinous,” highlighting the profound impact it has had on the community.
Williams’ daughter, Derranish Banks, expressed her immeasurable pain and anger over the incident. “The suffering he caused is unimaginable, and it’s only fair he endures the same,” Banks stated, reflecting a sentiment of deep anguish and desire for justice prevalent among the victim’s family and friends.
Camillia Williams had relocated to the Atlanta metropolitan area from Louisiana less than ten years ago, in search of new opportunities and a peaceful life, which met a tragic end far from her original home.
Rivas, originally from Honduras, had entered the United States in 2021. According to the Department of Homeland Security, he was apprehended by border patrol upon arrival. Further complications arose when Rivas missed his immigration hearing set for 2023, leading to his presence in the country coming under scrutiny by U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement.
In light of his current incarceration, officials from the Department of Homeland Security have indicated a readiness to deport Rivas should he be released on bond or acquitted.
Adding to the legal complexities, Allen assured the public that the severity of the crime is a priority in their prosecution efforts. “We are committed to ensuring justice prevails, regardless of the accused’s origins. This case will be prosecuted fully, based on the hard evidence and the catastrophic harm inflicted,” she said.
In an outpouring of community support, Williams’ family has initiated a crowdfunding effort to repatriate her remains back to Louisiana for burial. As of last count, the fundraiser had garnered over $1,100. This support underscores the communal solidarity and the broader implications of such tragic incidents on local and extended communities.
As the judicial process unfolds, these developments have left the Cobb County community rattled, igniting conversations about safety, justice, and the consequences of immigration oversight.