A Georgia man has been sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to shooting and killing his girlfriend, then dumping her body by a creek in Ringgold.
Guilty Plea for Murder
Joseph Mays, 34, pleaded guilty to malice murder in Catoosa County Superior Court on February 10 during a pre-trial hearing.
According to court records, Mays admitted to shooting his girlfriend, Jamie Wiley, 36, in the head at an RV park in Catoosa County. The two had been living together in the RV for several months before the incident occurred on January 17, 2025.
Disposing of the Body by a Nature Trail
Authorities stated that after committing the crime, Mays attempted to conceal his actions by disposing of the victim's body near a creek along the Chief Richard Taylor Nature Trail in Ringgold.
The body was discovered by a group of hikers the following morning.
According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), because the victim's phone and wallet were taken by Mays, investigators took 48 hours to identify her using fingerprinting.
Self-Defense Claim Inconsistent with Evidence
During interrogation, Mays admitted to killing Wiley but claimed he acted in self-defense. However, investigators concluded that the crime scene evidence did not match this claim.
Sentencing and Prosecutorial Response
Interim District Attorney Deanna Reisman stated:
"No sentence can restore a life lost or erase the pain, but this outcome ensures accountability, protects the community, and sends a message that domestic violence will be prosecuted with the full force of the law."
The victim's family supported the plea agreement and the life sentence.
Superior Court Judge Don W. Thompson sentenced Mays to life in prison. Under current regulations, the defendant may be eligible for parole after 30 years.
