A Lithonia man, Dmante Dontrell Anderson, has been handed a nearly 70-year prison sentence for a shocking act of violence against his wife in 2019. Anderson, who had a history of violence, shot his wife in the face after learning she had filed for divorce. The horrific incident unfolded at an apartment complex on Hillandale Drive in Lithonia, Georgia, on June 14, 2019.
The tragedy took place in front of their children, adding to the devastating impact on the family. Anderson’s actions led to a jury finding him guilty of multiple charges, including aggravated assault, cruelty to children, and weapons offenses. With this sentencing, Anderson will serve 63 years behind bars.
This isn’t Anderson’s first encounter with the law. In 2013, he was convicted of aggravated assault, according to records from the Georgia Department of Corrections.
The legal journey of this case was anything but smooth. It faced numerous challenges, including issues that reached the Supreme Court, multiple motions, complaints against attorneys, and even the recusal of a judge. Despite these obstacles, the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office, led by Sherry Boston, refused to back down.
Boston praised her Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault team for their unwavering commitment over the past five years, emphasizing that justice would not be hindered by the defense’s tactics. She credited divine intervention for the victim’s survival, saying, “Luckily, by the grace of God, our victim survived the gunshot wound to her face.”
Boston added that the sentencing sends a clear message: domestic violence will not be tolerated. She firmly stated, “We wanted to send a message that you will not stop us from pursuing justice, no matter how many obstacles a defendant may throw in our way.”
The DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office continues to work tirelessly to protect victims of domestic violence, especially those trying to leave abusive relationships. For anyone in need of help, they encourage reaching out to their victim advocates at 404-371-2561 or the Women’s Resource Center at 404-688-9436. The Georgia Domestic Violence hotline is also available at 1-800-334-2836.
This case stands as a stark reminder of the courage it takes to leave abusive situations and the importance of the legal system in ensuring justice and safety for victims.
