A celebration meant to honor a life instead ended in its tragic loss. Joseph Griffin, a 78-year-old man, was killed on June 10, 2022, in his home in Rex, Georgia. The day was supposed to be a continuation of his birthday festivities, but an argument with his son, who was visiting from Detroit, escalated with fatal consequences.
The son, 38-year-old Brandon Williams-Griffin, had come to town to celebrate his father's 78th birthday.
An argument broke out between the two men, which resulted in Williams-Griffin shooting his father. After the shooting, he fled the scene, prompting a search by law enforcement. Concerns about his mental state were raised by his brother, Joe Griffin Jr., who mentioned that Williams-Griffin suffered from mental illness. This was further compounded by reports that the suspect had been making strange claims, including that the numbers on a license plate had instructed him to kill his father.
Following the incident, law enforcement issued a bulletin for Williams-Griffin, who was believed to be driving a mint green minivan. The search for him extended beyond Georgia, as authorities learned he might have fled to Michigan. A coordinated effort between Clayton County officers, U.S. Marshals, and Detroit police led to his arrest in Detroit. He was apprehended at an auto auction where he was reportedly planning to buy a car.
After his capture, Williams-Griffin was charged with malice murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime. He was also charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a weapon. Authorities made arrangements for his extradition back to Clayton County to face prosecution for the death of his father.
