Georgia – A judge denied bond for 35-year-old Georgia man during a Wednesday hearing, keeping him in custody as he faces charges of maIice murder in the shooting death of 36-year-old CoIe Pieter. Prosecutors argued that the nature of the crime and the evidence presented showed the defendant, 35-year-old K. Williams, posed a danger if released, and the judge agreed, citing the severity of the allegations and the risk to public safety.
The defendant was taken into custody last month and is charged with maIice murder in the July shooting death of 36-year-old CoIe, Georgia authorities said. A judge denied him bond at a Wednesday hearing, citing the seriousness of the charge, local reports said.
According to Georgia authorities, the killing happened just after midnight on July 6 on the front doorstep of a woman’s home. Investigators say the victim was shot nearly a dozen times while he stood at the residence; he was later pronounced dead. Police and county prosecutors identified the defendant as the suspect and secured a warrant before his arrest in August.
Prosecutors outlined an investigation that began at the scene and expanded as detectives gathered physical evidence, witness statements and other leads. Investigators told the court they believe the defendant hid near the home for hours before the shooting and that the killing followed a period of harassment directed at the victim. Prosecutors say that in the weeks before the slaying he had shot at the victim’s car while the man was visiting the woman’s home, a pattern they say shows intent and premeditation.
Court filings and reporting indicate prosecutors allege the defendant fired multiple rounds at the victim; some news reports say the victim was struck by as many as 10 shots. Prosecutors have described a timeline of harassment and escalation that led to the July 6 shooting and used those details when arguing against bond. His arrest warrant charged him with felony or malice murder depending on the filing and reporting source; court proceedings will determine the exact charging instrument to be used at trial.
Defense lawyers in court have disputed the prosecutor’s account and, according to reporting, have argued that their client acted in self-defense. Beyond that claim, officials have not released a public, detailed transcript of any statements the defendant may have made to responding officers at the scene, and reporting so far does not include a direct, on-record admission by the defendant to officers. The district attorney’s office and the sheriff’s office have said the matter remains under active investigation while prosecution decisions and court scheduling continue.
The victim’s family has spoken publicly about his death and described him as a father and a professional; local media spoke with relatives who criticized the violence and asked for accountability while investigators pursued leads.
Georgia authorities ask anyone with additional information or relevant video or witness evidence to contact the Sheriff’s Office or the investigators assigned to the case. The sheriff’s office and the district attorney’s office are responsible for releasing formal case updates as the investigation and prosecution proceed.
Featured Image – 36-year-old CoIe | 35-year-old K. Williams