DOOLY COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) - According to a press release from District Attorney Brad Rigby, a Vienna woman has been sentenced to 25 years in the Georgia Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to murder in the second degree and concealing a death.

According to the release, Keara Sade Cotton, 31, received her sentence on Wednesday, Feb. 4, which marked what would have been her son’s birthday.

The Crime and Investigation

When the Department of Family and Children Services attempted to conduct welfare checks on the child, Cotton evaded contact with authorities and fled her Dooly County residence.

According to the press release, Cotton subsequently traveled to Cordele, Americus and Columbus. During this time, she reportedly disposed of her child’s remains by placing them in a shopping bag and a shower curtain, then discarding them in a field behind a shopping center in Cordele.

According to court documents cited in the release, while varying accounts were provided regarding the circumstances of the child’s death, the medical examiner was unable to determine an exact cause of death due to the advanced state of decomposition of the remains.

Investigation and Prosecution

According to the DA’s office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) led the investigation into the case, with assistance from the Vienna Police Department, Dooly County Sheriff’s Office and Crisp County Sheriff’s Office.

The case was prosecuted by District Attorney Brad Rigby and Assistant District Attorneys Whitney Bradford and J.D. Hart on behalf of the State of Georgia.

Statement from District Attorney

“I can think of no better justice for Jayceion than the conviction of his murderer on his birthday, February 4, 2026,” said District Attorney Brad Rigby in the press release. “The District Attorney’s Office is thankful to speak for the children who have no voice and preserve justice for them.”

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