I asked it to get his ID and they said yes, he was still sitting in his car. I still had my composite sketch and I pulled it out. He had these little glasses on and I drew the glasses and I held it up and I said, anybody recognized this guy? And it was Wayne Williams to the tee, I mean it just it was just Wayne. Ironically, we caught Wayne Williams at two fifty five am on the last day of the surveillance. When we got there, we were immediately briefed that this guy was seen on the bridge and something hit the water. It hadn't been recovered. Of course, nobody could get in that water because a it's two fifty five am and the water but current was just outrageous. Somebody would have drowned and wouldn't have stood a good chance of recovering anything.

I asked it to get his ID and they said yes, he was still sitting in his car. I still had my composite sketch and I pulled it out. He had these little glasses on and I drew the glasses and I held it up and I said, anybody recognized this guy? And it was Wayne Williams to the tee, I mean it just it was just Wayne. Ironically, we caught Wayne Williams at two fifty five am on the last day of the surveillance. When we got there, we were immediately briefed that this guy was seen on the bridge and something hit the water. It hadn't been recovered. Of course, nobody could get in that water because a it's two fifty five am and the water but current was just outrageous. Somebody would have drowned and wouldn't have stood a good chance of recovering anything.

Anyway, I don't think up to him and.

Anyway, I don't think up to him and.

Identified myself as a special agent with the FBI, and I asked him immediately if he knew why he was being pulled over, and he said, yes, it's probably because about those those kids that are missing, which kind of surprised me.

Identified myself as a special agent with the FBI, and I asked him immediately if he knew why he was being pulled over, and he said, yes, it's probably because about those those kids that are missing, which kind of surprised me.

That was an unusual answer.

That was an unusual answer.

I thought that was his answer.

I thought that was his answer.

Well it was, you know, it's a paraphrase of it. That wasn't his verbatim answer, but yeah, it was something like that. And the next words out of his mouth was he says, you know, he said, Channel five is really covering this very well, but Channel eleven I don't think covers it enough. So that kind of surprised me. I remember that jumped out at me as well.

Well it was, you know, it's a paraphrase of it. That wasn't his verbatim answer, but yeah, it was something like that. And the next words out of his mouth was he says, you know, he said, Channel five is really covering this very well, but Channel eleven I don't think covers it enough. So that kind of surprised me. I remember that jumped out at me as well.

And Atlanta, another bonder was discovered today, but twenty third.

And Atlanta, another bonder was discovered today, but twenty third.

At the Police Task Force headquarters, there are twenty seven faces on the wall, twenty six murdered, one missing.

At the Police Task Force headquarters, there are twenty seven faces on the wall, twenty six murdered, one missing.

We do not know the personilar persons that are responsible.

We do not know the personilar persons that are responsible.

Therefore, we do not have the money from Tenderfoot TV in house to forks in Atlanta.

Therefore, we do not have the money from Tenderfoot TV in house to forks in Atlanta.

Like eleven other recent victims in Atlanta, rogers are currently was asphixiator.

Like eleven other recent victims in Atlanta, rogers are currently was asphixiator.

Atlanta is unlikely to catch the killer unless he keeps on killing.

Atlanta is unlikely to catch the killer unless he keeps on killing.

This is Atlanta monster.

This is Atlanta monster.

I asked him if I could talk to him in my car. I told him we needed to get out of the traffic because the tractor trailers were rolling by and you couldn't hear. Plus, I wanted to interview him. I wanted to get him in my car and interview him. He agreed, real mediable, very friendly guy.

I asked him if I could talk to him in my car. I told him we needed to get out of the traffic because the tractor trailers were rolling by and you couldn't hear. Plus, I wanted to interview him. I wanted to get him in my car and interview him. He agreed, real mediable, very friendly guy.

I mean he was he nervous. No, no, he wasn't nervous.

I mean he was he nervous. No, no, he wasn't nervous.

It was the first impression of well, I didn't have one other than me telling you what he just kind of surprised me with the media comment and acknowledging that it was about the kids. I really didn't have much of an impression.

It was the first impression of well, I didn't have one other than me telling you what he just kind of surprised me with the media comment and acknowledging that it was about the kids. I really didn't have much of an impression.

I was wanting to.

I was wanting to.

Know more about what his story was, and eventually I got it. He gets in the car with me, and the first thing I asked him to do, and he surprised me again. I said, can we have consent to search your vehicle? And he said sure.

Know more about what his story was, and eventually I got it. He gets in the car with me, and the first thing I asked him to do, and he surprised me again. I said, can we have consent to search your vehicle? And he said sure.

So we had.

So we had.

A consent for him that I had him sign, and he signed it and let us search his vehicle. Now, as I had walked by his vehicle, I stuck my head in the window and looked around. There was a bag of clothes laying on the floor, and there was a pair of gloves laying on the seat. And what really struck me though, was is that there was a nylon cord kind of like a ski rope. It was about twenty four inches long and it was knotted on each end. That rope really interested me, so I started interviewing him and ask him what he was out this late at night, because, like I said, it was two fifty five am when he got in my car. He said that he was a talent scout and that he had an eight o'clock appointment I think eight am the next morning, but he was out trying to find their address so that he wouldn't know where it is the next morning and not be late. That just didn't have an air of truthfulness to it. Nobody goes out at two o'clock or three o'clock in the morning to find an address to make sure they're not late at eight o'clock. I found out he was an only child. He lived with his parents, his mom and dad. His dad was a freelance photographer and his mother had been a retired teacher. They were quite elderly that he had come along pretty late in life. He was a pretty intelligent guy too. He had a very high IQ. Word had it that he had built an AMFM radio station in his backyard when he was about fourteen. In the FCC. It had made him tear it down. I asked the guys, I said, search of his car over and they said yes, and I said okay. So I said, if anybody any reason for him to stay here any longer, and they said no, So we let him go. There was some things there that happened, that transpired that.

A consent for him that I had him sign, and he signed it and let us search his vehicle. Now, as I had walked by his vehicle, I stuck my head in the window and looked around. There was a bag of clothes laying on the floor, and there was a pair of gloves laying on the seat. And what really struck me though, was is that there was a nylon cord kind of like a ski rope. It was about twenty four inches long and it was knotted on each end. That rope really interested me, so I started interviewing him and ask him what he was out this late at night, because, like I said, it was two fifty five am when he got in my car. He said that he was a talent scout and that he had an eight o'clock appointment I think eight am the next morning, but he was out trying to find their address so that he wouldn't know where it is the next morning and not be late. That just didn't have an air of truthfulness to it. Nobody goes out at two o'clock or three o'clock in the morning to find an address to make sure they're not late at eight o'clock. I found out he was an only child. He lived with his parents, his mom and dad. His dad was a freelance photographer and his mother had been a retired teacher. They were quite elderly that he had come along pretty late in life. He was a pretty intelligent guy too. He had a very high IQ. Word had it that he had built an AMFM radio station in his backyard when he was about fourteen. In the FCC. It had made him tear it down. I asked the guys, I said, search of his car over and they said yes, and I said okay. So I said, if anybody any reason for him to stay here any longer, and they said no, So we let him go. There was some things there that happened, that transpired that.

That shouldn't have happened.

That shouldn't have happened.

The FBI has always been and remains an institution that is very conscious of not falsely arresting people. They've made mistakes in the past, everybody does. It's a judgment call. But we did not that night want to violate any of his civil liberties, his civil rights, and so we aired on the side of caution. It was my decision and let him go. What wasn't my decision is when I asked them, I said, where is these things you found in the car? And I went, we didn't keep any of it, And I went, what you didn't What I said, what about the gloves and the rope, because I'm thinking that that's probably part of crimes that had been committed since the people had been killed from ligature strangulation. But somewhere we dropped the ball. I was in charge, so I went ahead and took the hit for it. I said, Oh, that's just the decision you guys made. And I'll back you. I don't agree with it right now, but as far as official official word goes, and we made that decision, and that's that's the way it goes.

The FBI has always been and remains an institution that is very conscious of not falsely arresting people. They've made mistakes in the past, everybody does. It's a judgment call. But we did not that night want to violate any of his civil liberties, his civil rights, and so we aired on the side of caution. It was my decision and let him go. What wasn't my decision is when I asked them, I said, where is these things you found in the car? And I went, we didn't keep any of it, And I went, what you didn't What I said, what about the gloves and the rope, because I'm thinking that that's probably part of crimes that had been committed since the people had been killed from ligature strangulation. But somewhere we dropped the ball. I was in charge, so I went ahead and took the hit for it. I said, Oh, that's just the decision you guys made. And I'll back you. I don't agree with it right now, but as far as official official word goes, and we made that decision, and that's that's the way it goes.

Did anyone ever see Wayne toss anything over the bridge?

Did anyone ever see Wayne toss anything over the bridge?

No, never did. But there wasn't another car on that bridge. He was the only car there. They saw the headlights approach, they heard the splash, and then they saw what, like I described earlier as him appeared to just be starting out again at two or three miles an hour.

No, never did. But there wasn't another car on that bridge. He was the only car there. They saw the headlights approach, they heard the splash, and then they saw what, like I described earlier as him appeared to just be starting out again at two or three miles an hour.

Did you guys ask him that night if he tossed anything over the bridge?

Did you guys ask him that night if he tossed anything over the bridge?

Yes, and he I asked him, you know, there'd been a splash, And I think I asked him he tossed anything, And I don't remember if he said he was throwing trash out or something. I can't remember that part. I don't remember what his answer was, but he did say I think he said he was throwing trash away or something, that he had some trash that he needed to get rid of and he threw it in the river that night.

Yes, and he I asked him, you know, there'd been a splash, And I think I asked him he tossed anything, And I don't remember if he said he was throwing trash out or something. I can't remember that part. I don't remember what his answer was, but he did say I think he said he was throwing trash away or something, that he had some trash that he needed to get rid of and he threw it in the river that night.

No one ever saw or found what caused the alleged splash that was hurt in the water.

No one ever saw or found what caused the alleged splash that was hurt in the water.

We let him go and at six am we packed up and I went ahead and went home. And home was down south of Atlanta, lived in marl Georgia. I drove up to East Tennessee because it was Memorial Day weekend. It was a long weekend to see my mother and basically crashed. I was totally exhausted. I slept for I think I got there. It's about a three hour drive, and I got there about noon on Friday, went to sleep, woke up at noon on Saturday eight went back to sleep.

We let him go and at six am we packed up and I went ahead and went home. And home was down south of Atlanta, lived in marl Georgia. I drove up to East Tennessee because it was Memorial Day weekend. It was a long weekend to see my mother and basically crashed. I was totally exhausted. I slept for I think I got there. It's about a three hour drive, and I got there about noon on Friday, went to sleep, woke up at noon on Saturday eight went back to sleep.

Though police had a strange encounter with the man on the bridge, they decided to let him go.

Though police had a strange encounter with the man on the bridge, they decided to let him go.

They had no reason to hold him in custody. The bridge steak.

They had no reason to hold him in custody. The bridge steak.

Out operation was now officially over, and Mike Macombus went home to rest for the weekend.

Out operation was now officially over, and Mike Macombus went home to rest for the weekend.

But meanwhile, investigators.

But meanwhile, investigators.

Were still hard at work, suspicious of the man they top from the bridge, and by the time the combas woke up again, big things were happening.

Were still hard at work, suspicious of the man they top from the bridge, and by the time the combas woke up again, big things were happening.

Sunday morning, I got a call from Bill McGrath. He was one of the administrative supervisors on the case.

Sunday morning, I got a call from Bill McGrath. He was one of the administrative supervisors on the case.

And Bill called me in.

And Bill called me in.

He said, did you interview Wayne Williams. I said yes. He said, well, do you have any notes? I said, oh, yeah, I got a lot of notes. Well, we just found a body about five hundred meters down stream. You need to call in and do your report right now. And he said, and get yourself back to Atlanta.

He said, did you interview Wayne Williams. I said yes. He said, well, do you have any notes? I said, oh, yeah, I got a lot of notes. Well, we just found a body about five hundred meters down stream. You need to call in and do your report right now. And he said, and get yourself back to Atlanta.

We think we got him.

We think we got him.

A few days later, a body washed up in the river, just a few miles downstream from the bridge.

A few days later, a body washed up in the river, just a few miles downstream from the bridge.

The body was found around eleven this morning in the Chattahoochee River, just south of the I two eighty five bridge, where the river forms the border between Cobb and Fulton Counties. The body was nude, and medical examiners estimated it had been in the water a couple of days. It was found by a fisherman. The body was on the Fulton County side of the river, but it was difficult for police to get to that part of the river. Boats were launched from the Cobb County side. Members of the Special Task Force poured in. About two hours later the body was brought out. A medical examiner said it was a young black man in his early twenties.

The body was found around eleven this morning in the Chattahoochee River, just south of the I two eighty five bridge, where the river forms the border between Cobb and Fulton Counties. The body was nude, and medical examiners estimated it had been in the water a couple of days. It was found by a fisherman. The body was on the Fulton County side of the river, but it was difficult for police to get to that part of the river. Boats were launched from the Cobb County side. Members of the Special Task Force poured in. About two hours later the body was brought out. A medical examiner said it was a young black man in his early twenties.

The body was of twenty seven year old Nathaniel Cater. The FBI now had their first real suspect the man they had stopped on the bridge.

The body was of twenty seven year old Nathaniel Cater. The FBI now had their first real suspect the man they had stopped on the bridge.

That man was Wayne Williams.

That man was Wayne Williams.

The man who has been questioned, was stopped late at night on May twenty first, after arousing the curiosity of police on a river's stakeout. The investigators heard a splash in the water underneath the Jackson Parkway Bridge.

The man who has been questioned, was stopped late at night on May twenty first, after arousing the curiosity of police on a river's stakeout. The investigators heard a splash in the water underneath the Jackson Parkway Bridge.

No arrest was made then, and no one inspected two bags of clothes, the pair of men's shoes, or the gloves seen inside the station wagon. For two days, the task force quietly dragged the river, not finding anything. Three days later, two people in a canoe did the nude body of Nathaniel Cater a mile downstream from the South Cobb Bridge.

No arrest was made then, and no one inspected two bags of clothes, the pair of men's shoes, or the gloves seen inside the station wagon. For two days, the task force quietly dragged the river, not finding anything. Three days later, two people in a canoe did the nude body of Nathaniel Cater a mile downstream from the South Cobb Bridge.

Within a matter of minutes, news stations formed the rigs where Nathaniel Cater's body was found, and it wasn't long after that the media discovered the name Wayne Williams. Though no arrests have been made, news stations released his name anyways.

Within a matter of minutes, news stations formed the rigs where Nathaniel Cater's body was found, and it wasn't long after that the media discovered the name Wayne Williams. Though no arrests have been made, news stations released his name anyways.

To anyone who's been anywhere even close to the non suspect's home, it's obvious he doesn't have any privacy anymore. In spite of his pleas to remain anonymous, and in spite of the police begging the media to use restraint, most have released his name anyway.

To anyone who's been anywhere even close to the non suspect's home, it's obvious he doesn't have any privacy anymore. In spite of his pleas to remain anonymous, and in spite of the police begging the media to use restraint, most have released his name anyway.

Reporters and camera crews from all around the nation lined up outside the home of Wayne Williams, anxiously awaiting for something to happen.

Reporters and camera crews from all around the nation lined up outside the home of Wayne Williams, anxiously awaiting for something to happen.

A horde of police, news reporters and photographers smothered this quiet neighborhood. The media didn't want to miss any arrests that so far hasn't happened.

A horde of police, news reporters and photographers smothered this quiet neighborhood. The media didn't want to miss any arrests that so far hasn't happened.

And with this man now under the national spotlight, the FBI's investigation was sent in the overdrive.

And with this man now under the national spotlight, the FBI's investigation was sent in the overdrive.

Two FBI agents and two detectives with the Atlanta Police Department sat perched on their cars, guns visible, never taking their eyes off the modest home in northwest Atlanta. The mother, father, and son inside became a family under siege in their own home. In around ten this morning, the man's father came out of the house, pushed the cameras away with his commanding presence, and silently walked toward the police. Without saying a word, He signaled them to follow him into the house.

Two FBI agents and two detectives with the Atlanta Police Department sat perched on their cars, guns visible, never taking their eyes off the modest home in northwest Atlanta. The mother, father, and son inside became a family under siege in their own home. In around ten this morning, the man's father came out of the house, pushed the cameras away with his commanding presence, and silently walked toward the police. Without saying a word, He signaled them to follow him into the house.

Have they asked you to leave?

Have they asked you to leave?

Do they have anything of a confession?

Do they have anything of a confession?

The nation was glued to their TVs as reporters scrambled to find more information on the manning question for the murder of Atlanta's children.

The nation was glued to their TVs as reporters scrambled to find more information on the manning question for the murder of Atlanta's children.

Everyone wanted to know who was Wayne Williams.

Everyone wanted to know who was Wayne Williams.

Wayne Williams is an Atlanta born and bred twenty three years old. A product of the city's public school system. He went to Anderson Park Elementary School and graduated from Frederick Douglas High School on High Tower Road, Northwest. People who know Williams say he is a highly intelligent young man, a good student when he was in school. That opinion is echoed by William's seventh grade teacher, Archie Wilson, who Williams continues to list as a personal reference on his resume.

Wayne Williams is an Atlanta born and bred twenty three years old. A product of the city's public school system. He went to Anderson Park Elementary School and graduated from Frederick Douglas High School on High Tower Road, Northwest. People who know Williams say he is a highly intelligent young man, a good student when he was in school. That opinion is echoed by William's seventh grade teacher, Archie Wilson, who Williams continues to list as a personal reference on his resume.

Those who knew Wayne Williams were completely shocked.

Those who knew Wayne Williams were completely shocked.

As a student, he was extremely bright, fair, intelligent young man, quiet, respectful, honest student, very dependable, just an idea student.

As a student, he was extremely bright, fair, intelligent young man, quiet, respectful, honest student, very dependable, just an idea student.

Williams's resume lists a number of clubs and organizations he says he belonged to in high school National Honor Society ROTC rifle team, but his high school class yearbook does not show him in any of the organization pictures. Williams's acquaintances say he is one who tends to exaggerate his accomplishments and his contacts. His resumes list of professional references includes many familiar names in the local media. Most of those references say they knew Williams only briefly and not very well, but it is clear Wayne Williams is a bright and ambitious person. He started a radio station in his parents' home when he was only twelve. In his teens, he spent time hanging around many of the city's radio stations, doing odd jobs, mostly as an unpaid volunteer, and talking to the people he met about broadcasting.

Williams's resume lists a number of clubs and organizations he says he belonged to in high school National Honor Society ROTC rifle team, but his high school class yearbook does not show him in any of the organization pictures. Williams's acquaintances say he is one who tends to exaggerate his accomplishments and his contacts. His resumes list of professional references includes many familiar names in the local media. Most of those references say they knew Williams only briefly and not very well, but it is clear Wayne Williams is a bright and ambitious person. He started a radio station in his parents' home when he was only twelve. In his teens, he spent time hanging around many of the city's radio stations, doing odd jobs, mostly as an unpaid volunteer, and talking to the people he met about broadcasting.

He was a bit old for his age, so to speak.

He was a bit old for his age, so to speak.

I'm saying that to talk to a kid at that age about something that you're doing as an adult and he's talking on your level.

I'm saying that to talk to a kid at that age about something that you're doing as an adult and he's talking on your level.

It's really amazing.

It's really amazing.

And as I said before, he was a likable type of individual, maybe because of the knowledge of the industry as far.

And as I said before, he was a likable type of individual, maybe because of the knowledge of the industry as far.

As I'm concerned.

As I'm concerned.

Several years ago, he was arrested for impersonating a police officer and for using police emergency lights on his car. The charges were reduced and handled in traffic court. In nineteen seventy seven, Williams began offering his photographic services to the Atlantic TV stations. Williams would drive the city streets through the night, listening to police monitors in his car, racing to the scene of accidents, fires and homicides, then peddling film of what had happened to the news departments. But the freelance photography business was never very successful, and most recently, william says he has acted as a talent scout, helping young people get ahead in the entertainment industry. Williams has always lived with his parents in this house on Penelope Road, Northwest, the quiet neighborhood that has suddenly become a constant subject of interest for the police and news media. Neighbors say they never knew the family very well, the typical wave as you go by type of thing.

Several years ago, he was arrested for impersonating a police officer and for using police emergency lights on his car. The charges were reduced and handled in traffic court. In nineteen seventy seven, Williams began offering his photographic services to the Atlantic TV stations. Williams would drive the city streets through the night, listening to police monitors in his car, racing to the scene of accidents, fires and homicides, then peddling film of what had happened to the news departments. But the freelance photography business was never very successful, and most recently, william says he has acted as a talent scout, helping young people get ahead in the entertainment industry. Williams has always lived with his parents in this house on Penelope Road, Northwest, the quiet neighborhood that has suddenly become a constant subject of interest for the police and news media. Neighbors say they never knew the family very well, the typical wave as you go by type of thing.

He've been such a good boar for it.

He've been such a good boar for it.

I know, I haven't seen nothing to make me suspicious of him.

I know, I haven't seen nothing to make me suspicious of him.

If he has really surprised me, really shocks me.

If he has really surprised me, really shocks me.

Why would you think it would be a shock to you?

Why would you think it would be a shock to you?

So close and I got son and that sons, one of them used to go in and wait with him in his radio station.

So close and I got son and that sons, one of them used to go in and wait with him in his radio station.

Right.

Right.

Intelligent, not terribly close to a lot of people, A news and police groupie of sorts. That is how Wayne Williams is described by those who know him, and as his neighbors said, there is shocked that this quiet and promising kid is now a major suspect in the Atlanta child murders.

Intelligent, not terribly close to a lot of people, A news and police groupie of sorts. That is how Wayne Williams is described by those who know him, and as his neighbors said, there is shocked that this quiet and promising kid is now a major suspect in the Atlanta child murders.

He was described repeatedly as someone who was intelligent and docile, the last person you would suspect in a murder, but the FBI was convinced otherwise. They continued their investigation in searched Wayne williams house.

He was described repeatedly as someone who was intelligent and docile, the last person you would suspect in a murder, but the FBI was convinced otherwise. They continued their investigation in searched Wayne williams house.

On Wednesday night, June third, Action News learned that FBI agents and a representative of the Special Task Force had executed a search warrant and had collected potential evidence from Williams's home and car.

On Wednesday night, June third, Action News learned that FBI agents and a representative of the Special Task Force had executed a search warrant and had collected potential evidence from Williams's home and car.

They found an eight by ten sheet of paper that basically was a flyer that said, if you're between the ages of six and ten and you think you can sing or dance, I'm a talent scout.

They found an eight by ten sheet of paper that basically was a flyer that said, if you're between the ages of six and ten and you think you can sing or dance, I'm a talent scout.

Wayne Williams called himself a talent scout, and he had passed out flyers throughout the city in search of young kids to form a music group. I recently found a copy of that flyer, the same one the FBI had found in his home.

Wayne Williams called himself a talent scout, and he had passed out flyers throughout the city in search of young kids to form a music group. I recently found a copy of that flyer, the same one the FBI had found in his home.

The flyer reads, in bold letters.

The flyer reads, in bold letters.

Can you sing or play an instrument if you were between eleven and twenty one, male or female and would like to become a professional entertainer. All interviews private and free, no experience necessary. The FBI found this very interesting. The flyer suggests that Wayne was putting contact with young kids, probably more than one.

Can you sing or play an instrument if you were between eleven and twenty one, male or female and would like to become a professional entertainer. All interviews private and free, no experience necessary. The FBI found this very interesting. The flyer suggests that Wayne was putting contact with young kids, probably more than one.

So he put himself out there as a talent scout. And that's that's how we surmised that he was getting the kids into the car, Because when you're having that many kids and getting that much worldwide publicity, you would think somebody would have enough brains to not get in the car with somebody.

So he put himself out there as a talent scout. And that's that's how we surmised that he was getting the kids into the car, Because when you're having that many kids and getting that much worldwide publicity, you would think somebody would have enough brains to not get in the car with somebody.

But he was pretty good at what he did.

But he was pretty good at what he did.

It could be a huge coincidence, a line of work with the best intentions, or it was the perfect way to get children alone. Investigators were now more certain than ever that they'd found their man, and it was time they spoke to Wayne Williams again, so they brought him in for questioning.

It could be a huge coincidence, a line of work with the best intentions, or it was the perfect way to get children alone. Investigators were now more certain than ever that they'd found their man, and it was time they spoke to Wayne Williams again, so they brought him in for questioning.

They went out, picked him up and brought him into the FBI office, take him into the back and as a massive scene of city of dignitarian and state and everybody in the world wanted to get involved in it.

They went out, picked him up and brought him into the FBI office, take him into the back and as a massive scene of city of dignitarian and state and everybody in the world wanted to get involved in it.

They in and gather.

They in and gather.

He agreed to take a potograph test, and we talked for him, and they went downstairs and I did the testing downstairs in my office.

He agreed to take a potograph test, and we talked for him, and they went downstairs and I did the testing downstairs in my office.

Just you two, just the two of us.

Just you two, just the two of us.

The full task force, and everybody was on the tenth floor, press and news all around the entire building, and we were kind of on the ninth floor, just the two of us.

The full task force, and everybody was on the tenth floor, press and news all around the entire building, and we were kind of on the ninth floor, just the two of us.

This is Richard Ratcliffe, former special agent with the FBI. He sat down alone in a room with Wayne Williams to conduct a polygraph test.

This is Richard Ratcliffe, former special agent with the FBI. He sat down alone in a room with Wayne Williams to conduct a polygraph test.

We had this very interesting interview for about two hours. I said, you're very intelligent, so what's your IQ And he said, I don't believe in that case the potograph. You have to have confidence in it. I think he was totally confident he could beat it. He said that he was just totally calm that he could beat it.

We had this very interesting interview for about two hours. I said, you're very intelligent, so what's your IQ And he said, I don't believe in that case the potograph. You have to have confidence in it. I think he was totally confident he could beat it. He said that he was just totally calm that he could beat it.

And what you do?

And what you do?

You ask us series of comparative questions? This series of about ten questions or some of them are very simple. It's everything we've discussed, all yes and no answers. It's not really confusing, is really clear, very pretty simple and no surprises. And at that time I ran what's considered to be the most valid format in the potograph research, and that was the zone comparison test, A former set of questions about ten questions. I'll go through that and record the physiology, and then I'll ask him, was any problem to anything, anything need to explain or correct or know. Then you run a second time, you ask the same set of questions, and I record a second chart. You run the same set of questions the third time, and after the third time, then you score each one of those and compare the responses to the other responses, and then you add those scores up, and it would show either either deception or no deception. And this human nature to want to believe people, So I'm assuming he's going to pass the test. He stayed pretty much composed the whole time. He was composed, and he's not really fair to say relaxed, because the whole situation is not one where you're relaxed. He was very engaged, and he was very much operative and in participated willingly. We had this very interesting conversation and then about what happened, why he's on the bridge, and one of his things that made him suspect was every time he was asking about the bridge, he gave a different story, so he'd already given two or three different versions by the time I talked to him about where he was going, what he was doing, didn't stop on the bridge, just stopping the bridge through the boxes in the river, didn't throw anything in the river. So, I mean he had variations of his story. He's a talent scout, and he had this girl's name, Cheryl, whoever her name was, and he's supposed to meet her the next morning at seven am. And so he went to see if he'd find the apartment. And I said, are you interviewing young girls at seven in the morning in their apartments? And that puts you in an awkward position. I said, I wouldn't do that. He said, I'm not homosexual. He just made a point, I'm not homosexual. He argued that that he wasn't homosexual. I was asking about being alone with this girl in her apartment seven in the morning, and I was asking him why he would do that. Why he would just set up interview at seven in the morning in the girl's apartment. That would make him heterosexual, making mineral sexual, right, Yeah, And that's why I was asking. But his argument was that he wasn't homosexual. People I guess were suspicious of him being homosexual. I said, well, I'm not accusing you of being homosexual. Well, but we had that discussion. So I said, what do you have a girlfriend?

You ask us series of comparative questions? This series of about ten questions or some of them are very simple. It's everything we've discussed, all yes and no answers. It's not really confusing, is really clear, very pretty simple and no surprises. And at that time I ran what's considered to be the most valid format in the potograph research, and that was the zone comparison test, A former set of questions about ten questions. I'll go through that and record the physiology, and then I'll ask him, was any problem to anything, anything need to explain or correct or know. Then you run a second time, you ask the same set of questions, and I record a second chart. You run the same set of questions the third time, and after the third time, then you score each one of those and compare the responses to the other responses, and then you add those scores up, and it would show either either deception or no deception. And this human nature to want to believe people, So I'm assuming he's going to pass the test. He stayed pretty much composed the whole time. He was composed, and he's not really fair to say relaxed, because the whole situation is not one where you're relaxed. He was very engaged, and he was very much operative and in participated willingly. We had this very interesting conversation and then about what happened, why he's on the bridge, and one of his things that made him suspect was every time he was asking about the bridge, he gave a different story, so he'd already given two or three different versions by the time I talked to him about where he was going, what he was doing, didn't stop on the bridge, just stopping the bridge through the boxes in the river, didn't throw anything in the river. So, I mean he had variations of his story. He's a talent scout, and he had this girl's name, Cheryl, whoever her name was, and he's supposed to meet her the next morning at seven am. And so he went to see if he'd find the apartment. And I said, are you interviewing young girls at seven in the morning in their apartments? And that puts you in an awkward position. I said, I wouldn't do that. He said, I'm not homosexual. He just made a point, I'm not homosexual. He argued that that he wasn't homosexual. I was asking about being alone with this girl in her apartment seven in the morning, and I was asking him why he would do that. Why he would just set up interview at seven in the morning in the girl's apartment. That would make him heterosexual, making mineral sexual, right, Yeah, And that's why I was asking. But his argument was that he wasn't homosexual. People I guess were suspicious of him being homosexual. I said, well, I'm not accusing you of being homosexual. Well, but we had that discussion. So I said, what do you have a girlfriend?

Iza?

Iza?

Can you? He said not right now?

Can you? He said not right now?

So I said have you ever had a girlfriend? And he couldn't name one.

So I said have you ever had a girlfriend? And he couldn't name one.

After a long conversation, Racliffe asked the big question that had brought him there in the first place.

After a long conversation, Racliffe asked the big question that had brought him there in the first place.

Did you cause the death in Nathaniel Cater? Did you throw Cater's body into the cheers the river that night?

Did you cause the death in Nathaniel Cater? Did you throw Cater's body into the cheers the river that night?

What do you say? He said, no, he's denied it.

What do you say? He said, no, he's denied it.

I don't know the Kaniell Cater. I didn't have any conduct Nathaniel Cater, didn't know him, had never been on he didn't have a body, he didn't throw anything in the river.

I don't know the Kaniell Cater. I didn't have any conduct Nathaniel Cater, didn't know him, had never been on he didn't have a body, he didn't throw anything in the river.

Wayne Williams denied any involvement in the murder of Nathaniel Cater, claiming that he never even knew him.

Wayne Williams denied any involvement in the murder of Nathaniel Cater, claiming that he never even knew him.

But the results of the polygraph told a different story.

But the results of the polygraph told a different story.

The test to his deceptive and that's a first indication in two years on who did it? Wow, So you're the guy we were looking for me And that's how kind of how I reacted when I got through and great it all out when I got through and said, this show's deception. I'll been learning you're the guy that we've been looking for you, you're the one killing these kids. He said, that's not me, So let me see that. So then he spread up the charts. Well, the charts, you wouldn't know from what I just saw. Would you look at that and tell me that somebody's liner that killed the guests? So he spread the charts, look at all the tracings. So he points on he says, what's that question right there? I said, that's pretty good. Did you cause the death Nathaniel Cater? So he picked out that question, which is where his reaction was, you know, and then I make my call. I go out and tell the whole world you know that he's deceptive and indicates that he's the one that killed in the can of Cater.

The test to his deceptive and that's a first indication in two years on who did it? Wow, So you're the guy we were looking for me And that's how kind of how I reacted when I got through and great it all out when I got through and said, this show's deception. I'll been learning you're the guy that we've been looking for you, you're the one killing these kids. He said, that's not me, So let me see that. So then he spread up the charts. Well, the charts, you wouldn't know from what I just saw. Would you look at that and tell me that somebody's liner that killed the guests? So he spread the charts, look at all the tracings. So he points on he says, what's that question right there? I said, that's pretty good. Did you cause the death Nathaniel Cater? So he picked out that question, which is where his reaction was, you know, and then I make my call. I go out and tell the whole world you know that he's deceptive and indicates that he's the one that killed in the can of Cater.

Though Wayne appeared to show deception in his polygraph test, investigators let him go and now arrest was made.

Though Wayne appeared to show deception in his polygraph test, investigators let him go and now arrest was made.

After twelve hours of interrogation. Public Safety Commissioner Lee Brown told waiting reporters that the man had been released and no arrest made.

After twelve hours of interrogation. Public Safety Commissioner Lee Brown told waiting reporters that the man had been released and no arrest made.

In terms of our efforts tonight, we have not ended up with the information that would resolved in an arrest.

In terms of our efforts tonight, we have not ended up with the information that would resolved in an arrest.

A late night press conference was held outside the building, kilding questions from reporters that is correct, But as it turned out, this was a distraction.

A late night press conference was held outside the building, kilding questions from reporters that is correct, But as it turned out, this was a distraction.

What the reporters on hand did not know was that Brown was creating a diversion for the man and his father to leave the building.

What the reporters on hand did not know was that Brown was creating a diversion for the man and his father to leave the building.

Soon after, the media rushed to way Williams home in hopes of a statement from the man, and what happened next shocked everyone. Wayne invited all the reporters into his living room and held his own press conference for the nation to see.

Soon after, the media rushed to way Williams home in hopes of a statement from the man, and what happened next shocked everyone. Wayne invited all the reporters into his living room and held his own press conference for the nation to see.

At seven am, three and a half hours after returning home, the young man conducted a news conference, setting the condition that he would not be shown and that his name not be used. You will hear him, but you will see reporters and photographers. He contended that he was being harassed prior to his detainment, intimidated during his custody, and pressured to confess to crimes he says he did not commit.

At seven am, three and a half hours after returning home, the young man conducted a news conference, setting the condition that he would not be shown and that his name not be used. You will hear him, but you will see reporters and photographers. He contended that he was being harassed prior to his detainment, intimidated during his custody, and pressured to confess to crimes he says he did not commit.

They openly said, you kill Nathaniel Cater and you know it, and you line to us. They said that, and they said it a number of occasions.

They openly said, you kill Nathaniel Cater and you know it, and you line to us. They said that, and they said it a number of occasions.

They said it.

They said it.

On that night, one of the task force captains on the scene pointed his finger at me and said it, and said he was tired of the bs about working the long hours working the steakouts, and that he was ready to pull the thing to an end. Done, they put a tail on me starting last week. I made him probably in the first hour or two, and in the process of telling me, a couple of the guys apparently weren't very good drivers, and I caused them to have a minor accident, and I think they were just pissed.

On that night, one of the task force captains on the scene pointed his finger at me and said it, and said he was tired of the bs about working the long hours working the steakouts, and that he was ready to pull the thing to an end. Done, they put a tail on me starting last week. I made him probably in the first hour or two, and in the process of telling me, a couple of the guys apparently weren't very good drivers, and I caused them to have a minor accident, and I think they were just pissed.

After claiming his innocence and expressing frustration with law enforcement, he began to elaborate on his role as a talent scout, detailing his involvement in music groups.

After claiming his innocence and expressing frustration with law enforcement, he began to elaborate on his role as a talent scout, detailing his involvement in music groups.

It's our job to take some entertainer, say, basically from the street, polishing them up, get them professional, and try and shop a record deal for them. And we had a young group that we have been putting together since nineteen seventy seven, a group called Gemini. When we're trying to do is just capture the marketplace basically that Jackson five had.

It's our job to take some entertainer, say, basically from the street, polishing them up, get them professional, and try and shop a record deal for them. And we had a young group that we have been putting together since nineteen seventy seven, a group called Gemini. When we're trying to do is just capture the marketplace basically that Jackson five had.

He mentioned recruiting kids to form music, nay one in particular that he was currently working on that he called Gemini.

He mentioned recruiting kids to form music, nay one in particular that he was currently working on that he called Gemini.

Williams himself did not exactly go into hiding. He did, on several occasions call local reporters. He led police surveillance on some wild goose chases passing by Commissioner Browns and Mayor Jackson's houses.

Williams himself did not exactly go into hiding. He did, on several occasions call local reporters. He led police surveillance on some wild goose chases passing by Commissioner Browns and Mayor Jackson's houses.

Was this the man who was killing Atlanta's children or just a local talent scout who was simply at the wrong place at the wrong time. The FBI had gone through countless leads over the past two years, but in their eyes, the one that made the most sense was Wayne Williams.

Was this the man who was killing Atlanta's children or just a local talent scout who was simply at the wrong place at the wrong time. The FBI had gone through countless leads over the past two years, but in their eyes, the one that made the most sense was Wayne Williams.

When you work a case that long with that many people, there's going to be a lot of theories, a lot of names, a lot of people that you have to check and wash out. I mean, it's quite an ordeal. So there were a lot of theories out there, but none of them had the substance of Wayne Williams.

When you work a case that long with that many people, there's going to be a lot of theories, a lot of names, a lot of people that you have to check and wash out. I mean, it's quite an ordeal. So there were a lot of theories out there, but none of them had the substance of Wayne Williams.

What they had on Williams was almost entirely circumstantial.

What they had on Williams was almost entirely circumstantial.

I'm not sure that we had a gigantic case when it comes to physical evidence, but we had an overwhelming wave of circumstantial evidence.

I'm not sure that we had a gigantic case when it comes to physical evidence, but we had an overwhelming wave of circumstantial evidence.

Except for one key piece of physical evidence.

Except for one key piece of physical evidence.

They do have numerous fibers from the man's house that match those found on several victims the fibers. The fibers are of different colors and texture. Some think that's good enough others, including prosecutors, disagree.

They do have numerous fibers from the man's house that match those found on several victims the fibers. The fibers are of different colors and texture. Some think that's good enough others, including prosecutors, disagree.

But even the fibers they found weren't convincing enough for the district attorney to press charges.

But even the fibers they found weren't convincing enough for the district attorney to press charges.

Public Safety Commissioner Brown, FBI had John Glover and Task Force had Morris Redding met with District Attorney Lewis Slayton for an hour this morning. Slayton's office took out the search warrants to search the house of the man police question, and Slayton decided last night there was not enough evidence to charge the man, so he didn't press charges. No charges filed. You might have missed that fact if you read the New York Post. It's headlined this morning was sensational.

Public Safety Commissioner Brown, FBI had John Glover and Task Force had Morris Redding met with District Attorney Lewis Slayton for an hour this morning. Slayton's office took out the search warrants to search the house of the man police question, and Slayton decided last night there was not enough evidence to charge the man, so he didn't press charges. No charges filed. You might have missed that fact if you read the New York Post. It's headlined this morning was sensational.

But the New York Post had already run their morning paper with a very conflicting headline that read Atlanta monster ceased.

But the New York Post had already run their morning paper with a very conflicting headline that read Atlanta monster ceased.

But investigators here are worried about sensationalism, only to the extended effect their investigation.

But investigators here are worried about sensationalism, only to the extended effect their investigation.

He was a freelance photographer for WSBTV, so that was the shocker for our newsroom.

He was a freelance photographer for WSBTV, so that was the shocker for our newsroom.

As the media dove deeper into Wayne Williams's background, his story became even more interesting. In addition to being a talent scout, he had also worked as a freelance photographer for the local news station in Atlanta, WSBTV. Monica Pearson, who worked at WSBTV was also anchor at that time, recalls us very well, I was.

As the media dove deeper into Wayne Williams's background, his story became even more interesting. In addition to being a talent scout, he had also worked as a freelance photographer for the local news station in Atlanta, WSBTV. Monica Pearson, who worked at WSBTV was also anchor at that time, recalls us very well, I was.

Just an anchor, but I can tell you from our viewpoint, it was what, you know, this is somebody we all worked with who was a photographer, but a freelance photographer, not on staff, and I did not know him, but because he worked mainly on weekends, but other people did, and it was kind of a matter of not Wayne. He is so mild mannered and you know, what do you mean he couldn't hurt fly. But then there were others who said, well maybe.

Just an anchor, but I can tell you from our viewpoint, it was what, you know, this is somebody we all worked with who was a photographer, but a freelance photographer, not on staff, and I did not know him, but because he worked mainly on weekends, but other people did, and it was kind of a matter of not Wayne. He is so mild mannered and you know, what do you mean he couldn't hurt fly. But then there were others who said, well maybe.

In the weeks following the bridge incident, America was gripped by the ups and downs of the FBI's investigation into Wayne Williams. But on June twenty first, nineteen eighty one, everything would change.

In the weeks following the bridge incident, America was gripped by the ups and downs of the FBI's investigation into Wayne Williams. But on June twenty first, nineteen eighty one, everything would change.

Suddenly. Late in the afternoon, authorities arrested Williams.

Suddenly. Late in the afternoon, authorities arrested Williams.

As you know, we meet on this on a day to day basis. As a result of the meetings we've had today, the decision was made to issue the arrest warrned, which was done and he was taken into custy As a result.

As you know, we meet on this on a day to day basis. As a result of the meetings we've had today, the decision was made to issue the arrest warrned, which was done and he was taken into custy As a result.

Of that, Williams was taken to the Fulton County Jail. He was booked on a charge of murder the murder of twenty eight year old Nathaniel Cater.

Of that, Williams was taken to the Fulton County Jail. He was booked on a charge of murder the murder of twenty eight year old Nathaniel Cater.

Despite his initial hesitation, the district attorney suddenly changed his mind and Wayne Williams was charged with the murder of Nathaniel Cater.

Despite his initial hesitation, the district attorney suddenly changed his mind and Wayne Williams was charged with the murder of Nathaniel Cater.

An indictment for the was almost predictable, but the surprise came when District Attorney Lewis Slayton made the announcement.

An indictment for the was almost predictable, but the surprise came when District Attorney Lewis Slayton made the announcement.

The grand jury had returned an indictment in two counts, charging Wayne Bertram Bertram Williams with the murder of Jimmy ray Payne and one count and Theathaniel Kata and the second count.

The grand jury had returned an indictment in two counts, charging Wayne Bertram Bertram Williams with the murder of Jimmy ray Payne and one count and Theathaniel Kata and the second count.

Wayne was also charged with the second murder. On April twenty seventh, nineteen eighty one, the body of twenty one year old Jimmy ray Payne was also found in the Chattahoochee River.

Wayne was also charged with the second murder. On April twenty seventh, nineteen eighty one, the body of twenty one year old Jimmy ray Payne was also found in the Chattahoochee River.

The cause of death was asphyxiation.

The cause of death was asphyxiation.

That announcement came as a very big surprise late this afternoon.

That announcement came as a very big surprise late this afternoon.

Not only did the.

Not only did the.

Attorneys for Wayne Williams think any indictment wouldn't come until next Tuesday, they never thought their client would be indicted for the murder of twenty one year old Jimmy Ray Payne.

Attorneys for Wayne Williams think any indictment wouldn't come until next Tuesday, they never thought their client would be indicted for the murder of twenty one year old Jimmy Ray Payne.

The police have arrested and charged him, but he still has to be judged by his peers and in a court of law. So until he is found guilty, we have to say all let there was still the question is is he guilty or is he not?

The police have arrested and charged him, but he still has to be judged by his peers and in a court of law. So until he is found guilty, we have to say all let there was still the question is is he guilty or is he not?

In a brief statement, william stood in front of Judge Clarence Cooper and said, I plead not guilty to both counts.

In a brief statement, william stood in front of Judge Clarence Cooper and said, I plead not guilty to both counts.

The trial was under way and Wayne William's defense attorney, Mary Welcome was ready to fight back.

The trial was under way and Wayne William's defense attorney, Mary Welcome was ready to fight back.

There has been a serious effort on the part of the government, the law enforcement agencies of various and agencies to convince the country, even the world, that Wayne is implicated in all of the murders. So on reflection, I shouldn't be too surprised that they would trying to tie at least.

There has been a serious effort on the part of the government, the law enforcement agencies of various and agencies to convince the country, even the world, that Wayne is implicated in all of the murders. So on reflection, I shouldn't be too surprised that they would trying to tie at least.

One more in to She implied that law enforcement was ganging up against Wayne in an effort to close the case, and felt very strongly about her client's innocence.

One more in to She implied that law enforcement was ganging up against Wayne in an effort to close the case, and felt very strongly about her client's innocence.

From the beginning, many people thought the state's case against Wayne Williams was as suspect as the suspect himself. Prosecutors had no eyewitness to the crimes, no confession, but on December twenty, the eighth of last year, the state went ahead with its case. Its main ingredients fibers and animal hair that allegedly matched.

From the beginning, many people thought the state's case against Wayne Williams was as suspect as the suspect himself. Prosecutors had no eyewitness to the crimes, no confession, but on December twenty, the eighth of last year, the state went ahead with its case. Its main ingredients fibers and animal hair that allegedly matched.

Larry Peterson of the Georgia State Crime Lab began analyzing fibers found in the bodies of victims. The fibers collected were dog hairs and green, violet, yellow, and red material fibers. In particular, some of the green fibers reportedly came from unique carpeting that was found inside Willie William's family home.

Larry Peterson of the Georgia State Crime Lab began analyzing fibers found in the bodies of victims. The fibers collected were dog hairs and green, violet, yellow, and red material fibers. In particular, some of the green fibers reportedly came from unique carpeting that was found inside Willie William's family home.

We came up with three types of fiber, some of it was microscopically found. The green fiber I have personal knowledge of because my partner and I tracked that down. They used to have an old green carpet. It was a shag carpet. Did you guys ever see any.

We came up with three types of fiber, some of it was microscopically found. The green fiber I have personal knowledge of because my partner and I tracked that down. They used to have an old green carpet. It was a shag carpet. Did you guys ever see any.

Of that will check?

Of that will check?

Yeah, it's quite it's quite old, very dated, and it was a green collar. And when Harold Dedman told us when he finished with his he took a microscopic fiber and found out that this was manified actually in South Carolina and it was transported by West Point Pepperrell to Dalton, Georgia. At Dalton there was like two hundred thousand square yards of it. It went to ten or twelve different distributors in Atlanta, and then we came down from Dalton and we contacted those ten or twelve and we found the paperwork where Wayne Williams's parents had purchased that carpet like fifteen years before. So we traced a microscopic fiber from its very beginning all the way to Wayne's house, and it was the same fiber that we were pulling off of the bodies. Now that my friend is a piece of investigation.

Yeah, it's quite it's quite old, very dated, and it was a green collar. And when Harold Dedman told us when he finished with his he took a microscopic fiber and found out that this was manified actually in South Carolina and it was transported by West Point Pepperrell to Dalton, Georgia. At Dalton there was like two hundred thousand square yards of it. It went to ten or twelve different distributors in Atlanta, and then we came down from Dalton and we contacted those ten or twelve and we found the paperwork where Wayne Williams's parents had purchased that carpet like fifteen years before. So we traced a microscopic fiber from its very beginning all the way to Wayne's house, and it was the same fiber that we were pulling off of the bodies. Now that my friend is a piece of investigation.

Okay.

Okay.

The second major part of the prosecution's case was the bridge incident, but the prosecution had no eyewitnesses.

The second major part of the prosecution's case was the bridge incident, but the prosecution had no eyewitnesses.

The bridge incident was the closest investigators could put their suspect to a dead body, a legal necessity called corpus delecti. Although prosecutors had most of the pieces that night in May a splash, an alleged slow moving car a body downstream just two days later, it's still lacked the essential part of the puzzle, someone actually seeing William's car stopped on the bridge, or better yet, the suspect throwing a body from the structure.

The bridge incident was the closest investigators could put their suspect to a dead body, a legal necessity called corpus delecti. Although prosecutors had most of the pieces that night in May a splash, an alleged slow moving car a body downstream just two days later, it's still lacked the essential part of the puzzle, someone actually seeing William's car stopped on the bridge, or better yet, the suspect throwing a body from the structure.

No one who actually saw what allegedly happened on the bridge that night. The defense argued in the courtroom that Wayne Williams was five foot seven and Nathaniel Cater was six foot one, claiming that it was impossible for a man of Wayne's size to pick up his body and throw it over a bridge.

No one who actually saw what allegedly happened on the bridge that night. The defense argued in the courtroom that Wayne Williams was five foot seven and Nathaniel Cater was six foot one, claiming that it was impossible for a man of Wayne's size to pick up his body and throw it over a bridge.

I asked Mike mccombis about this.

I asked Mike mccombis about this.

Wayne wasn't a great big guy, but he was round and he was pudgy. I don't know if you ever had a real rush of adrenaline. People do amazing things when they've got a rush out of adrenaline. And when you're not trying to be careful and hurt somebody, you can drag them, pick them up.

Wayne wasn't a great big guy, but he was round and he was pudgy. I don't know if you ever had a real rush of adrenaline. People do amazing things when they've got a rush out of adrenaline. And when you're not trying to be careful and hurt somebody, you can drag them, pick them up.

It's no problem.

It's no problem.

Another point the prosecution argued was the sound that a car would make when driving across the bridge.

Another point the prosecution argued was the sound that a car would make when driving across the bridge.

What was interesting.

What was interesting.

There was an expansion played on the bridge, and if a car goes over the way. Later determined if a cargoes over the bridge faster than five miles an hour, the expansion plate will make a loud clank. Under five miles an hour, there's no sound.

There was an expansion played on the bridge, and if a car goes over the way. Later determined if a cargoes over the bridge faster than five miles an hour, the expansion plate will make a loud clank. Under five miles an hour, there's no sound.

That sound, the defense claims, is the key to their proof. Police recruit Bob Campbell, part of the stakeout team, says Williams card did not make that sound, indicating the vehicle was traveling at a slow rate of speed, But a sound expert hired by the defense as that's impossible that even at four miles an hour, the family station wagon makes the joint rattle loud enough for someone underneath the bridge to hear it, suggestion that recruit Campbell was fast asleep on the job the night Williams was stopped, and the prosecution surprisingly went along with a theory. Asking Mark Oviot if a loud splash would wake the recruit up, the expert said yes. The state contends that loud splash was the body of Nathaniel Cater heading the water. Williams bluntly stated the police version of the now famous bridge incident was wrong, a lie. He claimed he wasn't driving slowp that he didn't turn around in a parking lot next to the bridge, that he did not throw anything into the river. He tried to persuade the jury he really was out near a bridge that night looking for a Cheryl Johnson, who still remains a mystery to this trial.

That sound, the defense claims, is the key to their proof. Police recruit Bob Campbell, part of the stakeout team, says Williams card did not make that sound, indicating the vehicle was traveling at a slow rate of speed, But a sound expert hired by the defense as that's impossible that even at four miles an hour, the family station wagon makes the joint rattle loud enough for someone underneath the bridge to hear it, suggestion that recruit Campbell was fast asleep on the job the night Williams was stopped, and the prosecution surprisingly went along with a theory. Asking Mark Oviot if a loud splash would wake the recruit up, the expert said yes. The state contends that loud splash was the body of Nathaniel Cater heading the water. Williams bluntly stated the police version of the now famous bridge incident was wrong, a lie. He claimed he wasn't driving slowp that he didn't turn around in a parking lot next to the bridge, that he did not throw anything into the river. He tried to persuade the jury he really was out near a bridge that night looking for a Cheryl Johnson, who still remains a mystery to this trial.

According to Wayne Williams, the night he was stopping the bridge, he was going to find a young woman named Cheryl Johnson who wanted to do an audition for him. Earlier that day, Cheryl Johnson had called his home and Wayne's mother answered and wrote down her name, phone number, and address. According to Wayne, that night he was going to verify her home address so he would know where to go for the morning appointment. But the major problem was investigators never found a Cheryl Johnson When they went to the address on the piece of paper. There was no Cheryl Johnson who lived there, and the phone number didn't work. So who was Cheryl Johnson and where was she? The prosecution claimed that she wasn't real, but Wayne stuck by a story.

According to Wayne Williams, the night he was stopping the bridge, he was going to find a young woman named Cheryl Johnson who wanted to do an audition for him. Earlier that day, Cheryl Johnson had called his home and Wayne's mother answered and wrote down her name, phone number, and address. According to Wayne, that night he was going to verify her home address so he would know where to go for the morning appointment. But the major problem was investigators never found a Cheryl Johnson When they went to the address on the piece of paper. There was no Cheryl Johnson who lived there, and the phone number didn't work. So who was Cheryl Johnson and where was she? The prosecution claimed that she wasn't real, but Wayne stuck by a story.

The state implied he fabricated the story, but Williams didn't budge from it, claiming the woman simply gave him a wrong number and wrong address.

The state implied he fabricated the story, but Williams didn't budge from it, claiming the woman simply gave him a wrong number and wrong address.

After a grueling two month trial, it was time for a verdict.

After a grueling two month trial, it was time for a verdict.

After several days of testimony, three experts summed it up in two sentences. Fiber and hair from William's home and car matted fibers and hair taken from the bodies of cater and pain. They also painted him as a possible homosexual who hated poor, young blacks. The defense, steered by a Mississippi lawyer, fought back better than many had predicted. Their goal placed out in these people's minds. As Binder said throughout the trial, Wayne Williams is not a killer. He countered with former police recruits who charged members of the stakeout team that night in May were drinking and asleep. A loose fitting fiber expert from Kansas came in and showed that fibers may not be as unique as the state had claimed.

After several days of testimony, three experts summed it up in two sentences. Fiber and hair from William's home and car matted fibers and hair taken from the bodies of cater and pain. They also painted him as a possible homosexual who hated poor, young blacks. The defense, steered by a Mississippi lawyer, fought back better than many had predicted. Their goal placed out in these people's minds. As Binder said throughout the trial, Wayne Williams is not a killer. He countered with former police recruits who charged members of the stakeout team that night in May were drinking and asleep. A loose fitting fiber expert from Kansas came in and showed that fibers may not be as unique as the state had claimed.

For twelve hours, the jury deliberated you. On February twenty seventh, nineteen eighty two, the jury returned their verdict.

For twelve hours, the jury deliberated you. On February twenty seventh, nineteen eighty two, the jury returned their verdict.

Guilty.

Guilty.

When the verdicts were read, William's father stood before the court and said, I feel this is very unjust. I don't see how anyone could find my son guilty of anything. I just don't see it. William's mother called the judge and uncle Tom, the twenty three year old freelance photographer, this morning only a suspect, was optimistic. Tonight as he left the courthouse, his mood had changed. He is now painted as the mass murderer.

When the verdicts were read, William's father stood before the court and said, I feel this is very unjust. I don't see how anyone could find my son guilty of anything. I just don't see it. William's mother called the judge and uncle Tom, the twenty three year old freelance photographer, this morning only a suspect, was optimistic. Tonight as he left the courthouse, his mood had changed. He is now painted as the mass murderer.

Wayne Williams was found guilty for the murder of Nathaniel Cater and Jimmy ray Payne, but in addition, the FBI essentially closed all other cases of Atlanta's murdered children, attributing them to Wayne Williams.

Wayne Williams was found guilty for the murder of Nathaniel Cater and Jimmy ray Payne, but in addition, the FBI essentially closed all other cases of Atlanta's murdered children, attributing them to Wayne Williams.

The question of race popped up a lot tonight. Missus Williams remarks about Uncle Tom Binder even said a white man would have been treated differently, and the mother of victim Joseph Bell, a woman who prodded police into forming a task force several years ago, was very disappointed.

The question of race popped up a lot tonight. Missus Williams remarks about Uncle Tom Binder even said a white man would have been treated differently, and the mother of victim Joseph Bell, a woman who prodded police into forming a task force several years ago, was very disappointed.

With the outcome.

With the outcome.

Camille Bell, mother to victim Yusef, Bell, acted as a voice for the appearance of the missing her children, and she wasn't very happy with the verdict.

Camille Bell, mother to victim Yusef, Bell, acted as a voice for the appearance of the missing her children, and she wasn't very happy with the verdict.

If I believe that Wayne Williams killed the other twelve that they claimed the same fibers that were found on those bodies were also found on Usef's body, then I must believe that Wayne Williams killed my son. But since I don't believe that Wayne Williams killed anybody, I can't believe that Wayne Williams therefore killed my son. What it all boils down to is now we have Williams twenty three, the thirtieth victim of the Atlanta Slaves.

If I believe that Wayne Williams killed the other twelve that they claimed the same fibers that were found on those bodies were also found on Usef's body, then I must believe that Wayne Williams killed my son. But since I don't believe that Wayne Williams killed anybody, I can't believe that Wayne Williams therefore killed my son. What it all boils down to is now we have Williams twenty three, the thirtieth victim of the Atlanta Slaves.

From that day forward, Wayne Williams was in history books as the Atlanta child murderer.

From that day forward, Wayne Williams was in history books as the Atlanta child murderer.

A lot of people think he's innocent, believe it or not.

A lot of people think he's innocent, believe it or not.

You know, I think they view him as someone who who got caught up in it and ended up getting bland for it.

You know, I think they view him as someone who who got caught up in it and ended up getting bland for it.

I mean, I'm gonna be honest with you. I you know, I never spent a lot of time paying attention. I was happy when they was like, we off cold Red. Now everybody can go out and play again.

I mean, I'm gonna be honest with you. I you know, I never spent a lot of time paying attention. I was happy when they was like, we off cold Red. Now everybody can go out and play again.

So is Wayne Williams the Atlanta child murderer.

So is Wayne Williams the Atlanta child murderer.