- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Griffin Today
By the People, for the People
Man Pleads Guilty to Malice Murder
Joseph Mays sentenced to life in prison for killing girlfriend Jamie Wiley
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Joseph Mays, a 34-year-old man from Griffin, Georgia, pled guilty to Malice Murder for the murder of his girlfriend Jamie Wiley, a 36-year-old Michigan woman. Mays shot Wiley in the head while the two were inside Wiley's camper at an RV park in Catoosa County, Georgia on January 17, 2025. Mays then attempted to conceal the crime by dumping Wiley's body near a nature trail.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence and the need for stronger measures to protect victims. It also raises questions about bail reform and whether repeat offenders should be released on bail, as well as the challenges of investigating crimes where the victim's identity is initially unknown.
The details
Mays and Wiley had only been dating for a few months before the incident. After shooting Wiley, Mays removed her phone and wallet in an attempt to conceal the crime. Wiley's body was found the next morning by a walking group, and it took 48 hours for authorities to identify her. Mays initially claimed self-defense, but the physical evidence did not support his story. He ultimately pled guilty to Malice Murder and was sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after 30 years.
- On January 17, 2025, Mays shot Wiley in the head inside her camper.
- On the morning after the murder, Wiley's body was found off a nature trail.
- On February 10, 2026, Mays pled guilty to Malice Murder.
- Mays was sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after 30 years.
The players
Joseph Mays
A 34-year-old man from Griffin, Georgia who pled guilty to Malice Murder for the murder of his girlfriend Jamie Wiley.
Jamie Wiley
A 36-year-old woman from Michigan who was murdered by her boyfriend Joseph Mays.
Georgia Bureau of Investigation
The agency that investigated the crime and led the case against Mays.
Deanna Reisman
The Acting District Attorney who prosecuted the case against Mays.
Don W. Thompson
The Superior Court Judge who sentenced Mays to life in prison.
What they’re saying
“While no sentence can ever restore the life that was taken or erase the pain inflicted, the outcome in this case delivers accountability, protects our community, and sends a message that domestic violence will be prosecuted with the full force of the law. Jamie's family supported this guilty plea and life sentence as it showed that Mays finally accepted responsibility for Jamie's murder.”
— Deanna Reisman, Acting District Attorney (fetchyournews.com)
What’s next
The judge's decision on Mays' eligibility for parole after 30 years will be an important next step in this case.
The takeaway
This tragic case underscores the urgent need for stronger measures to protect victims of domestic violence and hold perpetrators fully accountable for their actions. It also highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in investigating crimes where the victim's identity is initially unknown.
