Glenroy Roberts, a 53-year-old Georgia resident, has been convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for the murder of his wife, Claudia Roberts, 45. The incident, which took place on August 2, 2022, was initially described by Roberts as a suicide. However, the number of gunshot wounds on the victim and a witness’s testimony quickly refuted this assertion.
The murder was reportedly sparked by Roberts’ anger over his wife’s birthday celebration. The jury in Gwinnett County delivered the verdict, and a judge confirmed the sentence, as verified by the Gwinnett County District Attorney.
Patsy Austin-Gatson, the District Attorney, expressed her sympathy to the family in a press statement, emphasizing the tragedy of domestic violence. She pointed out that the couple’s sons would now have to grow up without either parent at home.
According to prosecutors, the couple’s 10-year-old son reported hearing at least four gunshots from within their Lawrenceville apartment. However, Roberts’ 911 call painted a different picture, alleging that his wife had taken his gun from his closet and accidentally shot herself during a struggle.
Roberts’ version of the incident shifted during the investigation. He later stated that he was not in the room when the gun was fired and discovered his wife dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the closet.
Evidence presented at 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 shock at the tragic turn of events, stating her daughter did not deserve such a fate.
Additional evidence, including a medical examiner’s report, indicated that Claudia Roberts had sustained 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 infectious laughter and her commitment 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.