Royston Man Convicted of Murder Asking for New Trial

A Royston man convicted in the murder of his roommate in 2021 is asking for a new trial.

Attorneys for Makuia Deondre Williams will be back in Franklin County Superior Court on March 2 to petition for a new trial.

On July 14, 2022, 43-year-old Williams was found guilty of murder by a Franklin County jury in the shooting death of 60-year-old Eugene Riley of Royston.

Royston Police Chief Donnie Boleman said it happened September 1, 2021 when Williams and Riley got into an argument in the Spring St. townhome they shared.

When officers arrived, Williams flagged them down.  The officers rendered aid to Riley but he died at the scene.

During Williams’ trial, his attorneys claimed the shooting was in self-defense.

However, District Attorney Parks White said 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.”

Williams was found guilty of murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during a forcible felony, and cruelty to a child in the 3rd degree.

He was sentenced to life in prison.