A man was convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend’s uncle, who was a Vietnam veteran, authorities said. He was sentenced to life in prison plus 21 years.
Donald Woods, 58, of Atlanta, was found guilty of shooting 73-year-old Otha Orr of Marietta on June 29, 2017. It happened outside of the residence Woods shared with his ex-girlfriend, Yvonne Wesley, along Sells Avenue, the Fulton County District Attorney's Office said in a news release.
In an interview after Orr’s death, his 70-year-old brother, Edmund Orr, told Channel 2 Action News that Orr served in Vietnam.
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Woods and Wesley met in high school in Chicago and became romantically involved years later after her husband died, the release said. Woods was accused of being possessive, controlling and physically abusing Wesley on several occasions.
They moved to Atlanta in April 2016 and lived together, the release said. Wesley decided to end the relationship and broke up with Woods on June 28, 2017. After the breakup, she left their residence with only her keys, purse and laptop.
The next day, Otha and Edmund Orr went with her to the home to pick up the rest of her belongings, the release said. When they arrived, Wesley was allowed to enter the home, but Woods pushed Otha Orr away.
Woods then grabbed his 9mm Lugar handgun and pistol-whipped Edmund Orr several times in the head, the release said. Otha Orr then started to fight Woods.
Woods allegedly said, “You are not going to take her away from me; I’m going to get you!”
Otha Orr managed to pin Woods to the ground and removed the safety on the gun, the release said. He attempted to dislodge the firearm from Woods’ hands, but Orr was then shot four times.
Afterward, Woods got up and chased Edmund Orr, firing at him twice before leaving in a Ford Explorer, the release said. Edmund Orr wasn’t hit, but he sustained injuries to his head and face from the pistol-whipping.
Otha Orr died at the scene from gunshot wounds to his head and body.
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Woods turned himself in to Atlanta police hours after the incident. Nearby surveillance cameras at an apartment complex captured what led up to the shooting, but did not show the shots being fired, the release said.
The release also said cellphone records before and after the shooting showed Woods was trying to convince Wesley to remain in the relationship, including one minutes after Otha Orr died that said:
“I love you very much. Repent truly to God for His forgiveness. Please!”
Woods was convicted of murder, felony murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, battery and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, the release said.
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