BOYFRIEND CONVICTED OF BRUTAL STABBING DEATH OF GIRLFIREND

Defendant Had History of Physically Abusing Victim

Atlanta- Nearly a year to the day of her vicious killing, justice has been served for 26-year old Sheena Martin. A Fulton County jury has found her boyfriend, Lester Waller, 35, guilty of Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault and Possession of a Knife during a felony.

Sheena Martin’s naked, blanket-covered body was discovered on May 30, 2009 inside the bedroom of her Dolphin Drive home in Atlanta. She had been stabbed repeatedly with wounds to her chest, back and neck- where the murder weapon was left lodged. The investigation uncovered a history of abuse at the hands of Lester Waller, the victim’s live-in boyfriend. Neighbors reported hearing frequent fights between the couple and sounds equivalent to someone being thrown against the wall on repeated occasions. One witness reported once seeing the victim tied to a chair. During another incident, the defendant severely beat Ms. Martin with a glass ashtray requiring multiple stitches to her head.

Following Waller’s conviction, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Doris Downs sentenced the defendant to life in prison.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Fani Willis with assistance from ADA William Miles and DA Investigator Olyemphis Huff. Detective D. Coleman with the Atlanta Police Department led the initial investigation.

Media Contact: Yvette Brown, 404-224-0560/404-392-8867, yvette.brown@fultoncountyga.gov