GBI Arrests Suspect in 16-Year-Old Sandra Robinson Cold Case After Forensic Evidence

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced the arrest of 58-year-old Willie James Jr., charging him with malice murder, felony murder and aggravated assault in the 16-year-old cold-case killing of 32-year-old Sandra Latrail Robinson at the Prepaid Superstore on S Madison Avenue in Douglas, GBI officials said. The arrest was announced in a GBI news release dated March 4, 2026 and at a press conference at the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office.

GBI and Douglas Police investigators said continued forensic testing tied James to the crime, though officials declined to release the specific forensic details at the press conference. Jessica Hamilton, Special Agent in Charge of the GBI’s Douglas office, said, “While the case was deemed cold, it was never forgotten.” Local reporting and the GBI release attribute the forensic link to advances and continued testing by GBI units and forensic scientists.

Sandra Latrail Robinson was found stabbed to death inside the back of the Prepaid Superstore on March 17, 2010, after her boyfriend called 911 and officers discovered the store’s doors locked during business hours, authorities reported. The Douglas Police Department requested assistance from the GBI’s Regional Investigative Office in Douglas on that date, and the case remained unresolved on the GBI unsolved homicide page for years, with a $1,000 reward previously offered for information leading to an arrest.

Authorities say agents took James into custody March 2, 2026 in Valdosta; Coffee County Jail records cited by WALB show James was booked into the Coffee County Jail that night at 9:49 p.m., with the GBI listed as the arresting agency. The GBI release lists James as being of Wayne County, GA, while local coverage reports he was taken into custody in Valdosta.

Family members joined law enforcement at Wednesday’s announcement. Trey Robinson, Sandra Robinson’s son who was 17 when his mother was killed, attended the press conference and addressed media. “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,” Trey told CBS. He added, “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.” WALB also reported Trey saying, “This is another process of healing, another phase. So we can start moving forward again with our healing process,” and, “I feel without a shadow of a doubt we’re going to get justice for my mom. He’s going to have to suffer the consequences of his actions.”

The GBI framed the arrest as the result of long-term collaboration: “Over the years, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Douglas Police Department diligently followed every lead and remained unwavering in their commitment to finding the truth surrounding the death of Robinson. This arrest represents the culmination of those continued efforts. This successful investigation is an example of the importance of cooperation and collaboration between different GBI units, local law enforcement agencies, forensic scientists, and prosecutors,” the GBI release said.

Officials said the investigation remains ongoing and no court disposition has been reported. Media outlets carried video and photos from the March 4 press conference, and WALB noted a January 2025 podcast episode that revisited the case; further details are expected as the charged case moves through the legal process.