Guilty But Mentally Ill Plea Earns Son 25 Years In Prison For Shooting, Killing His Father

MARIETTA, GA — A Cobb County man pleaded guilty but mentally ill to one count of malice murder for shooting and killing his father, the Cobb County District Attorney's Office said.

Daniel Attaway, 27, called 911 on Sept. 29, 2018 saying someone snuck in the house, shot his father and killed him — but he later confessed to his mom and sister that he was the one who did it, the DA's office said.

Attaway shot his father, Douglas, in the basement of the family's home in Marietta, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. Police said at the time that he got angry when his dad told him to get a job or move out, and grabbed a 9mm gun from the family's gun collection.

Attaway was arrested Oct. 1, 2018 and booked into the Cobb County jail, where he's remained since then. He was later indicted on charges of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault with intent to commit murder, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Last Wednesday, Attaway pleaded guilty but mentally ill to a single count of malice murder and was handed a 50-year sentence, 25 of which will be in custody, the DA's office said.

As part of the negotiated plea agreement, Attaway's 50-year sentence includes the requirement of mental health supervision for the duration of his time in prison and on probation.

“This is such a tragic case. This family was irrevocably changed by Attaway’s actions. Hopefully, the healing process can now begin for this family," Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Paul Camarillo said.