A Cobb County man who orchestrated a botched robbery that led to the death of a homeowner will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
Cobb County Superior Court Judge Angela Z. Brown sentenced Rodney Jacob Sanders, 26, to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the shooting death of an Acworth homeowner. Sanders was convicted and found guilty of voluntary manslaughter, felony murder, aggravated assault, criminal attempt to commit home invasion in the first degree, conspiracy to commit home invasion in the first degree, criminal attempt to commit armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, burglary, and conspiracy to commit burglary.
“This life sentence ensures Sanders is held fully accountable for his actions and serves as a reminder that such crimes will not be tolerated in Cobb County. We are grateful to the jurors, law enforcement, and our prosecution team for their dedication in bringing justice to the victim and his family,” said District Attorney Flynn D. Broady Jr., according to FOX 5.
Three hours before the fatal incident, on May 16, 2023, the defendant and three other co-defendants, Cibias Vieira, Jaiden Crawford, and David Travis, had attempted to break into the victim's home. Resolved, Sanders returned to the premises under the guise of helping repair the damage caused during the burglary. As a result, Sanders could relay the home’s interior information to his accomplices.
Later, Sanders’ accomplices returned to the residence while the victim and his girlfriend were at home. Alarmed, the victim braced himself against the door to block their entry before shouting out to his girlfriend to bring the gun. Then, two of the co-defendants fired shots through the door, killing the homeowner.
During the trial, the three co-defendants testified against Sanders and identified him as the leader of the group and orchestrator of the fatal incident. Hence, Vieira was sentenced to 35 years, with parole after serving 25; Travis, 35 years with parole after serving 25; and Crawford, 20 years with parole after serving 15, reported Cobb County District Attorney’s Office.
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