On September 9, 2024, Timothy Leon Washington, aged 39, of Newnan, pleaded guilty to multiple charges including Attempted Murder and was sentenced to 45 years in prison by Superior Court Judge Travis Sakrison. The charges stemmed from a 13-count indictment that included Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm as a Felon and During the Commission of a Felony. Washington was accused of shooting his girlfriend multiple times on May 11, 2022. The victim sustained injuries to her jaw and abdomen and was paralyzed from the waist down as a result. She attended the sentencing in her wheelchair but chose not to address the court.
Assistant District Attorney Scott Teague prosecuted the case, which was investigated by Coweta County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Chris Stapler.
In May 2022, Washington and the victim were residing in a motel on Highway 29 in Coweta County after relapsing from a substance abuse facility in April. On May 11, Washington entered their motel room around midnight and shot the victim. A neighboring resident heard the shots and instructed the front desk clerk to call 911. Surveillance footage captured Washington entering and exiting the room where the victim was found with three gunshot wounds.
Law enforcement located Washington at another nearby motel following a lengthy standoff that ended with his peaceful surrender. Authorities discovered a pistol along his path between motels matching the caliber used in the shooting; it had jammed during use.
Despite parole eligibility for his crimes, there is strong sentiment within the District Attorney's office for Washington to serve his full sentence. "This act of violence has left this victim paralyzed for the rest of her life," stated an official release from their office. "Justice demands that Washington serve every day of his sentence so his victim can have some peace knowing he cannot harm her again."