DECATUR, Georgia- The Decatur community and family of a pregnant woman are reflecting on a harrowing act of violence that occurred on March 24, 2023, when 27-year-old Donald Wooten shot his girlfriend in the back of the head in an attempt to kill their unborn child. The woman, who was 22 weeks pregnant at the time, survived the attack and underwent an emergency C-section to save her baby. Wooten was sentenced in May 2026 to 60 years in prison following convictions for attempted murder, criminal attempt to commit feticide, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
The Shooting
Prosecutors reported that the incident began after a dispute between Wooten and his girlfriend over her decision to continue the pregnancy. Upset by her choice to keep the baby, Wooten allegedly drove her to Chapel Hill Park late at night in Decatur after seeing a movie together. Once at the park, he shot the woman in the back of the head and left her near a walking trail.
At approximately 7 a.m., law enforcement officers responded to a 911 call and found the victim lying in a fetal position, awake but unable to speak. Emergency medical personnel transported her to a nearby hospital where doctors performed an emergency C-section to save the unborn child. The infant survived, and the mother eventually woke from a coma, though she had no memory of the shooting.
Investigation and Evidence
During the investigation, Donald Wooten initially denied involvement, claiming he was with someone else that night. Police verified the alibi was false, as the alleged companion denied knowing him. Investigators uncovered messages between Wooten and the victim confirming arguments over the pregnancy and their future together.
Further evidence showed Wooten attempted to obstruct justice by sending messages asking someone to remove a gun and bullets from his apartment and instruct police that they were together that night. While in jail, he reportedly asked a relative to remotely wipe his cellphone after it had been seized by authorities.
Victim’s Testimony
The woman recovered sufficiently to testify in court, providing critical details of the incident. She confirmed that Wooten had suggested going to the park after seeing a movie, framing the pretext for the attack. Her testimony, combined with electronic evidence, messages, and the medical record of the emergency C-section, helped prosecutors secure convictions on all charges.
Legal Proceedings
In May 2026, after a comprehensive trial process, Donald Wooten was sentenced to 60 years in prison. He was found guilty of attempted murder for shooting the mother, criminal attempt to commit feticide for targeting the unborn child, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. The lengthy sentence reflects the severity of the crime, the premeditated nature of the attack, and the efforts to cover up his actions following the shooting.
Community Impact
The attack had a profound effect on the Decatur community, particularly highlighting the dangers of domestic violence and violence against pregnant individuals. Neighbors, friends, and family expressed shock at the severity and premeditation of the attack, as well as relief that both mother and child survived.
Advocates for domestic violence victims have noted the importance of awareness, early intervention, and reporting, emphasizing that disputes over pregnancy, custody, or relationships should never escalate into violent acts. The case has been used in public safety messaging to educate communities about warning signs and legal protections for those at risk.
Recovery and Resilience
The mother has made a remarkable recovery following the attack, though she endured significant physical and emotional trauma. Medical staff credited her survival and that of her child to immediate intervention, rapid emergency care, and the skill of surgical teams performing the emergency C-section.
Family members and community supporters have rallied around the victim, providing ongoing emotional, social, and financial support to aid in recovery. The resilience of both mother and child serves as a testament to the critical role of timely medical response in life-threatening domestic violence cases.
Lessons and Awareness
This case underscores the serious consequences of domestic disputes escalating to violence. Authorities highlight the importance of recognizing warning signs, ensuring that firearms are stored securely, and seeking intervention when threats or aggressive behavior emerge. Legal consequences for actions targeting both individuals and unborn children are severe, as reflected in Wooten’s 60-year sentence.
Conclusion
The attack by Donald Wooten represents a tragic example of domestic violence intertwined with threats against an unborn child. Thanks to quick medical intervention and the determination of law enforcement and prosecutors, both mother and child survived.
Rest in peace, Navya Gadusu. You were loved. You will be missed. And your memory will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew you. Gone too soon, forever remembered.
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