An undocumented immigrant, released into the U.S. by the Biden administration, appeared in court on Monday, pleading not guilty to the murder of his grandmother in Georgia.
David Hector Rivas Sagustum, 21, from Honduras, who entered the country illegally a few years back, denied killing Kamilia Williams, a 52-year-old grandmother of five. He faces severe charges including murder, rape, and necrophilia.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has stated that the Biden administration permitted Rivas’s entry into the United States during its early days. A DHS spokesperson noted, “David Hector Rivas Sagathum illegally entered the U.S. on March 17, 2021, and was apprehended by Border Patrol. He was processed under the previous administration and granted parole.”
“The judge released him on July 11, 2023,” the spokesperson added. “Then, on March 18, 2025, he was arrested for murder and other offenses by Cobb County Police.” An immigrant detainer was placed on him following his police arrest.
The investigation into Williams’ death began after her body was discovered on March 13, tucked away in a bush in a suburban area north of Atlanta. Shortly thereafter, police identified Rivas and took him into custody.
Reports suggest that Rivas used a chokehold to render Williams unconscious before applying pressure with his knees, leading to her death. Family members shared that Williams had expressed unease about Rivas, calling him “a weirdo” and mentioning he had stalked her prior to the incident.
Concerned family member Arsen Williams stated, “She felt threatened, and he seemed to wait until he had the chance to confront her.”
Federal immigration authorities intend to take custody of Rivas, who was living with others in Jacksonville, Florida, at the time of his arrest. His case is one of several recent incidents involving violent crimes allegedly committed by undocumented immigrants, reigniting discussions on immigration policy.
In March, comments were made highlighting Rivas’s status, stating that he should not have been in the country in the first place due to his illegal immigration. Georgia Republican Governor Brian Kemp expressed support for efforts to remove criminals from communities.
The not guilty plea from Rivas follows another case involving an undocumented immigrant charged with necrophilia in New York. Additionally, an illegal immigrant from Venezuela received a life sentence for the murder of a nursing student in Georgia earlier this year.
According to court documents, Rivas faces multiple serious charges, including malicious murder and sexual offenses. He remains in Cobb County Jail while awaiting further proceedings.
