ACWORTH, Ga. — A man has been sentenced to life in prison for his role in a deadly home invasion in Acworth.
Rodney Sanders, 26, was found guilty of multiple charges, including voluntary manslaughter, five counts of felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault and criminal attempt to commit home invasion in the first degree, according to Cobb County DA Flynn D. Broady Jr.
On May 16, 2023, the district attorney's office said Sanders and three accomplices 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.
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. The three accomplices were also each sentenced to serve between 20-35 years.
Sanders was sentenced 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,” District Attorney Flynn D. Broady Jr. said. “We are grateful to the jurors, law enforcement, and our prosecution team for their dedication in bringing justice to the victim and his family.”
