Decatur, Georgia — A Georgia man will spend decades behind bars after prosecutors said he shot his pregnant girlfriend in the head in an attempt to kill her unborn child because he did not want to become a father.
The disturbing case shocked the Decatur community after the victim survived the brutal attack but later woke from a coma with no memory of what had happened to her.
Prosecutors Say Motive Was to Kill the Unborn Child
According to investigators, Donald Wooten, 27, was angry over the pregnancy and allegedly wanted the victim to terminate it.
“Based on the defendant’s statement to detectives … he did not want the victim to have the child,” an arrest affidavit stated.
Authorities said the shooting occurred in March 2023 near a walking trail at Chapel Hill Park in Decatur. Prosecutors argued that Wooten intentionally targeted the victim in an effort to kill the unborn baby.
“The defendant’s motive was to kill the unborn child by shooting the victim in the head,” the affidavit said. “As a result of this incident, the victim had to undergo an emergency C-section … to save her baby.”
Last week, Wooten was sentenced to 60 years in prison after being convicted of attempted murder, criminal attempt to commit feticide, and firearm-related charges.
Victim Found Severely Injured Near Walking Trail
Authorities said officers responded around 7 a.m. after receiving a 911 call about an unresponsive woman near the park trail.
“According to the investigation, officers with the DeKalb County Police Department responded around 7 a.m. to a 911 call reporting an unresponsive woman near the walking trail,” the District Attorney’s Office said.
“EMTs found a visibly pregnant woman lying in the fetal position, awake but not communicating, with a wound to the back of her head.”
Medical staff later confirmed the victim had suffered a gunshot wound to the head and was 22 weeks pregnant at the time of the attack.
Because of her critical condition and incoherent state, detectives were initially unable to interview her.
Family Immediately Suspected Boyfriend
Investigators said the victim’s family quickly pointed suspicion toward Wooten.
When questioned, Wooten allegedly admitted he was upset that the victim wanted to continue the pregnancy.
Police said he attempted to provide an alibi, claiming he had been elsewhere after the couple went to the movies together. However, investigators discovered inconsistencies in his story through cellphone location data and witness statements.
“When they spoke with him over the phone, he told officers he’d gone to a movie with the victim the night before she was found, then back to the apartment complex where they both lived,” prosecutors explained.
Authorities later determined that his movements did not match the timeline he provided to detectives.
Victim Woke From Coma With No Memory
Two months after the shooting, detectives were finally able to speak with the victim while she was recovering in the hospital.
“Two months after she was shot, police were able to interview the victim at the hospital,” the District Attorney’s Office said.
She reportedly remembered being at the park with Wooten but had no recollection of the actual shooting.
“The victim’s last memory is walking in the park with the defendant,” prosecutors stated.
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The emotional testimony became a major part of the trial as jurors heard how the victim survived an attack she could not even remember.
Jail Calls and Text Messages Became Key Evidence
Investigators also uncovered damaging evidence from jail calls and phone records.
Authorities said Wooten allegedly asked a relative to remotely wipe his cellphone after police seized it as evidence. However, detectives managed to recover data before the phone was erased.
“Messages between defendant Wooten and the victim revealed they were arguing over the pregnancy and their future together,” the DA’s office recounted.
Prosecutors also revealed messages allegedly showed Wooten asking someone to retrieve a gun and ammunition from his apartment after the shooting.
Following the trial, Wooten was found guilty on April 20 and later sentenced.
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