ARGUMENT LEADS TO DEATH LEADS TO 25 YEARS IN PRISON

Willie Frank White Convicted of Beating to Death New Girlfriend

Atlanta- Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard announces the conviction today of 40 year-old Willie Frank White of Atlanta. White was found guilty of manslaughter and kidnapping in the January 22, 2004 killing of 40 year-old Beverly Middlebrook, also of Atlanta. The two day bench trial was presided over by Superior Court Judge Marvin Arrington. After finding White guilty, Judge Arrington sentenced him to 25 years in prison.

Middlebrook was visiting White and his two sisters who lived at 2469 Lakewood Avenue, when Middlebrook and the sisters began arguing about noise. Witnesses say White sided with his sisters in the dispute and attacked Middlebrook. When she tried several times to leave the house, White dragged her back inside each time. One eyewitness presented by Chief Deputy Assistant District Attorney Al Dixon testified White had Middlebrook in a chokehold when he dragged her into another room. He testified White came out of the room and said, "she's quit breathing, call 9-1-1". The medical examiner concluded Middlebrook died of blunt force trauma to the head and neck.

Chief Deputy A-D-A Dixon says at one point, Middlebrook tried to jump out of a window to get to her mother who lived just a few doors away. White was charged with and convicted of kidnapping for his refusal to allow her to leave. The two had been dating witnesses say, for three to four months.

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