by DeKalb County, GA – A 43-year-old Georgia woman, Sophia Williams, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus 10 years, for the brutal murder of her 4-year-old son, Anthony Vice, according to DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston. The sentencing was announced on Wednesday, Dec. 10.
Conviction Follows Multiple Charges
Williams was convicted in August 2025 on several serious charges, including one count of Malice Murder, two counts of Felony Murder, four counts of Cruelty to Children in the First Degree, and three counts of Aggravated Battery. The charges stemmed from the death of her son, who was found unresponsive on the living room floor of their apartment on March 6, 2022.
First responders noted that Anthony had both new and old bruising across his body. Despite immediate medical attention, he was transported to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where he was later pronounced dead.
Details of Abuse and Neglect
During the investigation, Williams admitted to striking Anthony as a form of discipline when he failed to follow instructions or use the toilet. She reportedly used her hand, a house slipper, a purse strap, and a charging cord to punish him.
Williams claimed that Anthony had accidentally hit his head the week before his death and denied responsibility for any injuries. However, a 13-year-old child in the home reported that Williams “whooped” Anthony on March 5, 2022, after which he appeared dizzy and fell to the floor, unresponsive.
Williams allegedly moved Anthony to her bed, threw water on him, and briefly woke him, but he remained mostly unresponsive. That night, she reportedly searched phrases such as “remedy for concussion” and “coma – symptoms and causes” on her phone, instead of seeking professional medical care.
Tragic Morning of March 6
By approximately 5 a.m. on March 6, 2022, Anthony was described as completely limp, making only a low grunting sound, before he stopped breathing entirely. Williams first contacted the child’s father at 5:38 a.m., reporting that their son was not breathing, and later called 911 at 6:26 a.m. She admitted that she initially avoided contacting authorities due to the bruises on Anthony’s body.
Autopsy Confirms Cause of Death
An autopsy revealed that blunt force trauma to the head was the cause of Anthony’s death. Investigators concluded that the child could have survived if medical attention had been sought promptly after the initial head injury was noticed.
The case has shocked the DeKalb County community, highlighting the devastating consequences of child abuse and neglect.
District Attorney’s Statement
DA Sherry Boston emphasized the severity of the crime and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable. The sentencing ensures that Sophia Williams will never be released, reflecting the gravity of the offenses and the preventable nature of the child’s death.
Authorities continue to advocate for child safety education, urging caregivers to recognize warning signs of abuse and to seek immediate medical care for injured children.
What are your thoughts, Georgia?
How can communities better prevent child abuse and neglect? Share your reactions, experiences, and suggestions in the comments below.
