Thomaston, Georgia – A Georgia man who brutally killed his girlfriend, concealed her body inside a suitcase, and then casually went about his day — including going to work and buying lottery tickets — has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Frederick Durham, a resident of Upson County, was found guilty last week of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and concealing the death of another, according to the Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office. The charges stem from the killing of his live-in girlfriend, Margaret Dubinion, in October 2023.
What Prosecutors Say Happened Inside the Apartment
According to court records and a statement released by prosecutors, Dubinion was at her home in Thomaston with Durham, her boyfriend at the time, when an argument escalated into deadly violence.
In his own confession to police, Durham claimed the dispute began after Dubinion allegedly “disrespected” him by calling him vulgar names and refusing to stop arguing. Prosecutors said Durham responded with extreme and sustained violence.
He told investigators that he held Dubinion down with one hand while repeatedly beating her in the head with the other. The assault caused catastrophic injuries, including bleeding on the brain, severely swollen eyes, broken ribs, and fractured cervical bones.
After the beating, Durham strangled Dubinion to death, according to the medical evidence presented at trial.
Body Folded Into a Suitcase
Prosecutors said Durham then wrapped Dubinion’s body in a comforter and “folded her up into a suitcase”, which he placed inside a closet in the apartment they shared.
What followed stunned both investigators and the victim’s family.
Rather than calling for help or alerting authorities, Durham left the apartment and went to work as usual. Prosecutors told the jury that he also stopped to buy lottery tickets and later traveled to Atlanta using Dubinion’s car.
When questioned by police, Durham claimed he was unsure whether Dubinion was alive or dead when he placed her inside the suitcase. Prosecutors said he later refused to clarify that claim, denying her family any closure.
Family Reports Her Missing
Dubinion’s disappearance was first reported by concerned relatives on Friday, October 20, 2023, after they were unable to reach her.
That evening, police conducted a welfare check at the Thomaston apartment, but neither Dubinion nor Durham was present at the time.
Unwilling to wait, Dubinion’s family went to the apartment themselves the following morning. Inside the closet, they discovered the suitcase — and found Dubinion’s body inside.
Authorities were then notified, and an investigation quickly led to Durham’s arrest.
Trial and Conviction
During the trial, prosecutors laid out a detailed timeline of events, forensic evidence, medical testimony, and Durham’s own statements to police. The jury ultimately returned guilty verdicts on all counts.
Durham was sentenced to life in prison without parole, the harshest penalty available under Georgia law for the crimes committed.
Prosecutors Condemn the Killing
Senior Assistant District Attorney Audrey D. Holliday issued a strong statement following the conviction, describing Durham’s actions as deeply disturbing and devoid of remorse.
“This defendant had a malignant and abandoned heart,” Holliday said. “He left Ms. Dubinion in a suitcase and refused to give this family an answer on whether she was alive or dead when he did so.”
Holliday credited Dubinion’s family for their determination and courage throughout the case.
“I am grateful the family helped us bring Frederick Durham to justice by their persistence in searching for Ms. Dubinion and by testifying against the defendant,” she added.
She concluded by calling the killing “an evil act from a person who had no compassion for this family.”
A Case Highlighting Domestic Violence Dangers
Prosecutors noted that the case underscores the deadly consequences of domestic violence and the importance of taking threats, escalating arguments, and abusive behavior seriously.
Advocates say situations involving controlling behavior, verbal degradation, and physical intimidation can rapidly turn fatal, particularly when victims are isolated or living with their abuser.
Family members described Dubinion as someone who did not deserve the violence inflicted upon her and said they hope the conviction brings awareness to similar dangers faced by others.
Case Conclusion
With Durham now sentenced to life without parole, prosecutors say justice has been served, though they acknowledge it cannot undo the harm done.
Authorities encourage anyone experiencing domestic abuse or concerned about a loved one’s safety to seek help immediately through local law enforcement or domestic violence support organizations.
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