Convicted Royston Man Who Killed Roommate Petitions for New Trial

The attorney for Makuia Dondre Williams, who was convicted of murder in the 2021 death of his roommate, is again asking for a new trial.

His attorney is expected to come before Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Malcolm on May 7 to petition the court for a new trial, according to court records.

Williams is serving a life sentence after he was found guilty of murder by a Franklin County jury in July 2022 for killing 60-year-old Eugene Riley of Royston.

District Attorney Parks White said on September 1, 2021, Williams shot Riley five times with a Glock 21 .45 caliber handgun.

White said three of those shots entered Riley’s back, which, White said severely undermined Williams’ claim of “self-defense.”

Royston Police Chief Donnie Boleman said at the time the shooting was the result of an argument between Williams and Riley at their Spring St. townhome.

He said officers were dispatched to the Spring St. townhomes about shots fired. When they arrived Williams flagged them down.

Officers found Riley inside and attempted to render aid but he died at the scene. Boleman called in the GBI who assisted in the investigation.

Williams was later indicted on one count of malice murder and one count of felony murder, one count of felony aggravated assault family violence, one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and cruelty to children in the third degree.