Nearly 16 Years Later, Arrest Made in Georgia Mother's Cold Case Murder

Sandra Robinson was found stabbed to death in the phone store where she worked in 2010.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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After over a decade, authorities have charged 58-year-old Willie James Jr. with the 2010 murder of Sandra Robinson, a mother of four who was found stabbed to death in the Georgia phone store where she worked. Investigators say they were able to link James to the crime through forensic evidence, and that he was an associate of Robinson's who frequented the store.

Why it matters

This arrest brings some closure to a tragic case that had gone unsolved for nearly 16 years, providing the victim's family with long-awaited justice. The case also highlights the importance of perseverance in cold case investigations and the role that forensic evidence can play in cracking even the most challenging murder mysteries.

The details

On March 17, 2010, 32-year-old Sandra Robinson was found stabbed to death inside the Prepaid Superstore where she worked in Douglas, Georgia. Her boyfriend had called 911 after finding the store's doors locked during business hours. Over the years, investigators from the Douglas Police Department and Georgia Bureau of Investigation followed various leads, but the case went cold. However, they never gave up, and were eventually able to link 58-year-old Willie James Jr. to the crime through forensic evidence. Authorities say James was an associate of Robinson's who frequently visited the phone store.

  • On March 17, 2010, Sandra Robinson was found stabbed to death inside the phone store where she worked.
  • For over a decade, the case remained unsolved.
  • On Monday, March 4, 2026, authorities arrested 58-year-old Willie James Jr. and charged him with Robinson's murder.

The players

Sandra Robinson

A 32-year-old mother of four who was found stabbed to death in the Georgia phone store where she worked in 2010.

Willie James Jr.

A 58-year-old man who has been charged with the 2010 murder of Sandra Robinson. Investigators say he was an associate of Robinson's who frequently visited the phone store.

Trey Robinson

One of Sandra Robinson's sons, who pursued a career in law enforcement after his mother's death and has been fighting for justice in her case.

Jessica Hamilton

A GBI Special Agent in Charge who announced the arrest in the Sandra Robinson murder case.

Douglas Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated the 2010 murder of Sandra Robinson, along with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

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What they’re saying

“While the case was deemed cold, it was never forgotten.”

— Jessica Hamilton, GBI Special Agent in Charge (cbsnews.com)

“It has always been my goal to fight for justice and for my entire family, because my mom did not deserve what happened to her. Ever since then, I have fought, I have fought, I have fought for her justice, and I'm glad that today I'm able to stand here.”

— Trey Robinson, Sandra Robinson's son (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The investigation into Sandra Robinson's murder remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence and build their case against Willie James Jr.

The takeaway

This arrest in a nearly 16-year-old cold case murder demonstrates the importance of perseverance and the power of forensic evidence, even in the most challenging investigations. It provides some long-awaited justice for the victim's family and highlights the dedication of law enforcement in pursuing answers, no matter how much time has passed.