(Marietta, Ga. — Nov. 22, 2024) — Cobb County District Attorney Flynn D. Broady Jr. announces that Rodney Jacob Sanders, 26, has been found guilty of multiple charges, including one count voluntary manslaughter, five counts felony murder, two counts aggravated assault, one count criminal attempt to commit home invasion in the first degree, one count conspiracy to commit home invasion in the first degree, one count criminal attempt to commit armed robbery, one count conspiracy to commit armed robbery, one count burglary, one count conspiracy to commit burglary. 
 
On May 16, 2023, Sanders and three accomplices—Cibias Vieira, Jaiden Crawford, and David Travis—attempted to break into a victim's Acworth home while he was away. After the initial burglary, Sanders returned to the residence under the pretense of assisting with door repairs needed due to the break-in. While pretending to help, Sanders relayed information back to his accomplices.
 
Three hours later, the three co-defendants returned to the victim’s home while he was inside with his girlfriend. As the victim attempted to block entry by bracing himself against the door, he called to his girlfriend to “get the gun.” At that moment, two of the defendants fired through the door, striking and fatally wounding the victim.
 
All three accomplices testified against Sanders. Their testimonies identified Sanders as the orchestrator of the events leading to the victim's death. Vieira received a sentence of 35 years, with 25 to serve; Travis, 35 years with 25 to serve; and Crawford, 20 years with 15 to serve.
 
Superior Court Judge Angela Z. Brown sentenced Sanders to life without the possibility of parole.
 
“This life sentence ensures Sanders is held fully accountable for his actions and serves as a reminder that such crimes will not be tolerated in Cobb County,” said District Attorney Flynn D. Broady Jr. “We are grateful to the jurors, law enforcement, and our prosecution team for their dedication in bringing justice to the victim and his family.”
 
Assistant District Attorneys Jason D. Treadaway and Karyn Boothe prosecuted the case on behalf of the state, while the defendant was represented by attorney Kevin J. Rodgers.