Columbus County Man Sentenced to Three Life Terms

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A 29-year-old man from Columbus County, North Carolina was sentenced to three consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole for the murders of Diondi Sadler in 2019, Deonde Sadler in 2021, and William Edwards Jr. in 2023. The families of the victims opted for life imprisonment over the death penalty, seeking certainty and closure.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of violent crime and homicide in some North Carolina communities, as well as the difficult decisions victims' families must make regarding sentencing. The consecutive life sentences aim to ensure the perpetrator remains incarcerated for the rest of his life.

The details

On March 18, a judge sentenced Natrell McKinnies, 29, to three consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole for the murders of Diondi Sadler, Deonde Sadler, and William Edwards Jr. over a four-year period from 2019 to 2023. The investigation was conducted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Whiteville Police Department, and Columbus County Sheriff's Department.

• Diondi Sadler was murdered in July 2019.
• Deonde Sadler was murdered in July 2021.
• William Edwards Jr. was murdered in April 2023.

What’s next

The judge's decision to impose three consecutive life sentences without parole ensures that Natrell McKinnies will remain incarcerated for the rest of his life.