A Georgia resident, Glenroy Roberts, 53, has been found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole for the brutal murder of his wife, Claudia Roberts, 45. The incident, which occurred on August 2, 2022, was initially portrayed by Roberts as a suicide. However, the number of gunshot wounds on the victim and the testimony of a witness in the house quickly dispelled this claim.
The murder was reportedly triggered by Roberts’ anger over his wife’s birthday celebration. The verdict was delivered by a jury in Gwinnett County, and the sentence was handed down by a judge, as confirmed by the Gwinnett County District Attorney.
The District Attorney, Patsy Austin-Gatson, expressed her condolences to the family in a press release, highlighting the tragedy of domestic violence. She noted the couple’s sons would now have to grow up without either parent at home.
The couple’s 10-year-old son reported hearing at least four gunshots from within their Lawrenceville apartment, according to prosecutors. Roberts, however, told a different story in his 911 call, claiming his wife had taken his gun from his closet and accidentally shot herself during a struggle.
Roberts’ account of the incident changed during the investigation. He later claimed he was not in the room when the gun was fired and found his wife dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the closet.
Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Roberts was upset with his wife for celebrating her 45th birthday with her mother in New Jersey. The victim’s mother, Delores Squire, expressed her disbelief at the tragic turn of events, stating her daughter did not deserve such a fate.
Further evidence, including a medical examiner’s report, showed that Claudia Roberts had suffered two gunshot wounds, one to her head, which could not have been self-inflicted. The victim’s oldest daughter, Samantha Phillips, expressed her belief that her mother had fought for her life.
Claudia Roberts was remembered by her family as a loving mother of five, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, and a friend. She was known for her contagious laughter and her dedication to making life easier for her family.
The jury deliberated for approximately two hours before delivering the guilty verdicts. In addition to the life sentence, Roberts was also given a symbolic five-year sentence for other crimes committed on the day of the murder. He was convicted of one count each of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and three counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
According to Claudia Roberts’ mother, there were warning signs of domestic violence in the couple’s 21-year marriage. Despite enduring abuse, Claudia Roberts had hoped to keep the family together for the sake of their children.