MAN'S KINDNESS COSTS HIM HIS LIFE

Billy Ray Kell Convicted of Murdering Man Who Gave Him a Place to Stay

Atlanta- The man accused in the brutal slaying of an elderly dental technician in College Park in August 2003 has been found guilty. Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard announces the conviction today of 31-year-old Billy Ray Kell. The victim, William Earl Roberts of Ballground, Georgia, had allowed Kell to live in a back room of his College Park dental lab, after learning Kell was homeless. Eight weeks into the arrangement, Roberts told friends and family members he was tired of taking care of Kell. Kell worked next door to the lab at Gene's Plumbing at 3288 East Main Street, but borrowed money from Roberts and refused to pay anything for rent. Kell also refused to pay Roberts for the dentures he had made for Kell.

On August 7, 2003, Kell, who has a history of drug and alcohol abuse, became angry when Roberts asked him to leave. Police testified he used the claw end of a hammer to viciously beat the 74-year-old dental technician about the head and torso. Police photographs show deep gashes and wounds on Roberts head and body and blood splattered on the walls of the tiny office space. Roberts, who was a widower, lived in Ballground with his daughter and grandson.

Assistant District Attorney Shondeana Crews presented testimony from GBI forensics experts and a blood spatter expert. Kell's co-workers identified the bloody boots found at the scene as belonging to Kell. The experts testified the blood on the boots belonged to the victim and the spatter pattern on the boots showed Kell had to have committed the murder.

Superior Court Judge John Goger presided over the 7 day trial. He sentenced Kell to life in prison.

CONTACT: Lyn Vaughn, 404-224-0560 (office); 404-533-1381 (pager)