Honduran National Pleads Not Guilty in Georgia Grandmother’s Murder Case

Hector David Sagastume Rivas, a 21-year-old Honduran national, has pleaded not guilty to capital murder and other charges related to the death of 52-year-old Camillia Williams in Cobb County, Georgia. Rivas waived his arraignment in Cobb County Superior Court on Monday, setting the stage for a trial scheduled for June 23, according to court documents obtained by Fox News.

The case has ignited a firestorm of controversy due to Rivas’s immigration status and prior interactions with U.S. immigration authorities. He is accused of randomly attacking and strangling Williams, a mother of five and grandmother, in March of this year. Authorities discovered her body in a wooded area, intensifying the shock and grief within the community.

Rivas’s presence in the United States has come under intense scrutiny. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) revealed that Rivas was apprehended and subsequently released at the southern border by the Biden administration in March 2021. Furthermore, he had been subject to a deportation order since July 2023, raising questions about why he was not deported prior to the alleged murder.

The victim’s family is devastated and vocal in their grief and anger. Arsene Williams, Camillia’s brother, expressed profound disappointment in the system, stating, "In March 2025, my sister lost her life because the system failed to deport him after they had him in custody." He shared his sentiments with FOX 5 Atlanta, underscoring the family’s belief that the tragedy could have been prevented.

Another of Camillia’s brothers, Tony Williams, articulated the family’s desire for justice, telling a local TV station, "My sister took her last breath in Georgia, so he needs to take his last breath in Georgia." His words reflect the raw emotion and call for accountability in the wake of the horrific crime.

Rivas faces a multitude of charges, including capital murder, aggravated assault, rape, aggravated sexual battery, and necrophilia. He is currently being held in jail without bond, indicating the seriousness of the accusations and the potential consequences he faces.

The case has drawn parallels to other high-profile crimes involving undocumented immigrants, most notably the murder of Laken Riley. Riley’s body was discovered in the woods after she was allegedly murdered in Georgia by an illegal immigrant who had previously been apprehended and released by border authorities. The similarities between the two cases have amplified the national debate surrounding border security and immigration policies. The Laken Riley case led to heightened scrutiny of policies concerning undocumented immigrants accused of violent crimes, and the Rivas case is poised to further fuel this discussion.

The timing of Rivas’s trial coincides with ongoing political debates about immigration reform and border control. Conservative voices have used cases like these to criticize the Biden administration’s immigration policies, arguing that they create opportunities for dangerous individuals to remain in the country. Conversely, advocates for more lenient immigration policies contend that generalizing based on the actions of a few individuals is unfair and that a comprehensive approach to immigration reform is necessary.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the trial will likely be closely watched by both local and national audiences. The evidence presented, witness testimonies, and legal arguments will be meticulously scrutinized, and the outcome could have significant implications for how similar cases are handled in the future.

The Cobb County District Attorney’s office will be tasked with presenting a strong case against Rivas. Given the severity of the charges and the emotional nature of the crime, the prosecution is likely to emphasize the brutality of the alleged attack and the need for justice for Camillia Williams and her family.

The defense team will likely focus on challenging the evidence, questioning witnesses, and raising doubts about the prosecution’s case. They may also explore potential mitigating factors that could influence the jury’s decision during sentencing, should Rivas be convicted.

The Rivas case also highlights the broader issues surrounding the role of immigration enforcement in preventing crime. Critics have questioned why Rivas was not deported after the deportation order was issued in July 2023. This query underscores the challenges faced by ICE in prioritizing deportations and managing its resources effectively.

The case has also reignited debates about sanctuary city policies, which limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. Proponents of sanctuary policies argue that they help build trust between immigrant communities and local police, encouraging immigrants to report crimes without fear of deportation. Opponents argue that these policies shield criminals and make it more difficult to remove dangerous individuals from the country.

The legal and political ramifications of the Rivas case are far-reaching. Beyond the immediate consequences for Rivas and the Williams family, the case could shape future policy discussions and impact how immigration enforcement is carried out at the local and national levels.

The community in Cobb County has rallied around the Williams family, offering support and demanding justice for Camillia. Local organizations have organized vigils and fundraisers to help the family cope with their loss and to advocate for stronger protections against violent crime.

The upcoming trial promises to be a pivotal moment in the community and a test of the justice system’s ability to hold individuals accountable for violent acts, while also addressing the complex issues surrounding immigration and public safety.

The investigation into Williams’s death continues, and law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information about the case to come forward. The authorities are committed to ensuring that all available evidence is presented at trial and that justice is served for Camillia Williams and her family.

The case has underscored the emotional and societal impact of violent crime and has raised important questions about immigration policy and public safety. It is a stark reminder of the need for comprehensive and effective strategies to prevent future tragedies and protect communities from harm.

The family and friends of Camillia Williams are determined to honor her memory by advocating for justice and working to ensure that no other family experiences a similar loss. Their resilience and determination serve as a testament to the power of community in the face of tragedy.

The upcoming trial will be a closely watched event, not only in Georgia but across the nation, as it brings to the forefront critical issues of immigration, crime, and the responsibilities of government agencies in protecting the public.

The Fox News report concludes by mentioning contributions from Samantha Daigle, Bill Melugin, and Louis Casiano, acknowledging the collaborative effort in bringing this story to light. The various voices contributing to the news coverage of the case emphasize the widespread interest and concern it has generated.