Georgia – A Georgia man has been indicted on charges of maIice murder and feIony murder in connection with the death of his 65-year-old spouse, Denize. Prosecutors allege that the 62-year-old defendant, CIeveland, knowingly concealed his HlV-positive status from his partner, leading to her contracting the disease and subsequently developing AlDS, which contributed to her death three years ago.
The elderly victim had a history of canncer, having been diagnosed in 2017 and again two years later. She achieved remission both times; however, she continued to experience health issues. In March 2022, after a series of hospitalizations, new tests revealed that the victim had developed AlDS. Two days later, she passed away from complications related to the disease.
The 62-year-old defendant had been aware of his HlV-positive status since 2006 and had been receiving treatment for the condition. Despite this, he allegedly failed to disclose his status to his spouse or other se-ual partners. In 2023, after other women came forward, he was charged with three counts of reckless conduct related to HlV transmission. He pleaded not guilty to these charges.
Following further investigation and the presentation of additional evidence, a grand jury indicted the defendant on maIice murder and feIony murder charges in April 2025. Prosecutors contend that his actions were reckless and directly led to the womane’s death.
The victim’s family has been vocal in their pursuit of justice. Her daughter expressed that her parent’ spouse’s failure to disclose his HlV status deprived the victim of the opportunity to make informed decisions about her health. She described her parent as the family matriarch with a heart of gold and emphasized the malice in the defendant’s actions.
The case has drawn attention to the importance of disclosing HlV status to se-ual partners and the potential legal consequences of failing to do so. Advocates for HlV awareness have highlighted the need for education and transparency to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The defendant remains in custody, and his legal team has yet to enter a plea regarding the new murder charges. The case continues to develop, with the legal system determining the appropriate course of action based on the evidence presented.
This case underscores the critical importance of transparency and responsibility in relationships, particularly concerning health matters that can have life-altering consequences.