Marietta, GA – Gary Williams, 63, was convicted of murder and neglect after allowing his paralyzed wife, Addreinne Gordon, to die in a filthy, torturous environment in their Marietta home. Williams was sentenced to life in prison following his conviction for felony murder in the 2021 death of Gordon, who was unable to care for herself due to paralysis.
Details of the Crime and Conviction
The incident unfolded on November 9, 2021, when Williams called 911, reporting that his wife’s condition had worsened. Gordon, who had been paralyzed on her left side, was admitted to a local hospital with blood poisoning and an “altered level of consciousness.” She was placed on life support but died the following day.
Prosecutors emphasized that the case wasn’t about how Gordon died, but how she suffered during her final days. According to Cobb County District Attorney Sonya F. Allen, Gordon was “forced to live” in horrific conditions.
“She was left lying in filth — her body was covered in sores and lesions, her hair matted, her nails grotesquely overgrown, her bed blackened with waste,” said Allen. “She could not move; she could not help herself. The only person who could have given her dignity, safety, and comfort instead allowed her to endure a living torture until she died.”
Williams’ Past Criminal and Caretaking Failures
Williams, who had been Gordon’s primary caretaker, had been repeatedly called to 911 for assistance due to her health issues. In fact, his lawyer cited a history of emergency calls dating back to 2018, including instances where Williams needed help moving Gordon or when she fainted.
However, on the day of her death, Williams claimed that Gordon became “a little funky” on Monday, experiencing severe discomfort. He described attempting to help her, including when she fell off the bed. In his motion to court, Williams stated that he had to leave Gordon on the floor for an entire day because he couldn’t get her back into bed.
Condition of the Victim
When emergency responders arrived, they found Gordon covered in feces from head to toe and severely malnourished. Williams claimed that Gordon had no injuries when she fell and was left on the floor until Tuesday afternoon, but police and prosecutors believe this to be a false claim. The abuse Gordon endured before her death included being left for extended periods without care and neglected hygiene, leading to the severe blood poisoning that ultimately took her life.
The Charge of Felony Murder
The jury deliberated for less than an hour before returning a guilty verdict. Cobb County prosecutors successfully argued that Williams allowed his wife to die in neglect, causing her death through willful deprivation of care. The court deemed his actions as murder rather than manslaughter or negligence, given the severity of Gordon’s suffering and Williams’ position as her sole caregiver.
Williams was sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole in the future.
Final Statement from Authorities
Authorities emphasized that Gordon’s death was preventable. Her conditions were exacerbated by Williams’ failure to provide appropriate care and his decision to leave her in filth rather than seeking medical help in a timely manner.
“This case was about how she was forced to live,” said Allen. “She was trapped in a body she could not care for, completely dependent on the one person who vowed to protect her.”
Call to Action
This heartbreaking case highlights the importance of proper care for those unable to care for themselves. If you suspect a loved one is being neglected, report it to the authorities immediately. Share your thoughts on the case in the comments below.
