Ga. man arrested after missing wife and mom of 4 is found dead
08/07/2023 1:24 pm PDT
ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. (TCD) -- Law enforcement officials announced over the weekend that they discovered a missing woman’s body and arrested her husband on suspicion of murder.
In a news conference Saturday, Aug. 5, Rockdale County Sheriff Eric Levett said Imani Roberson was last seen July 16 having dinner at her mother’s house with her four children. That night, Roberson left with her 3-year-old and 1-month-old children and her other two kids stayed at her mother’s home.
The next day, Roberson’s mother, Clarine Andujar-White, called her several times, but Roberson did not answer. Andujar-White went to Roberson’s home to check on her, but Roberson once again did not answer. Andujar-White reported her missing to the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office because she and Roberson speak at least daily, and it was unlike her not to respond.
According to Levett, detectives began investigating Roberson’s disappearance and conducted several search warrants, including at Roberson’s home where she lived with her husband, Donell Anderson. Levett said investigators suspected foul play after finding blood evidence at the residence.
On Thursday, July 27, officials discovered Roberson’s torched Mazda SUV in southwest Atlanta, about 30 miles from where she lived in Conyers, WXIA-TV reports.
Then, on Friday, Aug. 4, Rockdale County deputies with the assistance of cadaver dogs located a body, which was later identified as Roberson’s. The same day, officials arrested Anderson at an apartment in Atlanta on charges of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
Levett said additional charges are possible and that he can "assure" there will be another arrest in the case.
The children are reportedly in their grandparents' care.
Andujar-White spoke at the press conference and said, "Today is a very difficult day for our family, especially the mother and the father. As a mother and father, we know the kids are in a very special way. When I couldn’t reach Imani almost three weeks ago, I knew something was wrong. Late last night, my worst fears were confirmed, and our family is devastated."
Roberson’s father, Ronald Acklin, added, "This is the third child I’ve lost to the state of Georgia. You think it’s going to break me. It’s not. I done seen all I can see, all three of my babies gone.
WXIA reports Anderson is being held without bond.
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