Donald Wooten, 27, of Georgia, Sentenced to 60 Years in Prison After Shooting Pregnant Girlfriend in Chapel Hill Park, Attempting to Kill Unborn Child; Woman and Infant Survive Following Emergency C-Section Written by

The community of Decatur is reflecting on a deeply disturbing case that has resulted in a major criminal sentence for 27-year-old Donald Wooten, who was recently sentenced to 60 years in prison following a violent attack on his pregnant girlfriend in a case that has drawn widespread attention.

According to prosecutors, the incident originally took place on March 24, 2023, after a dispute between Wooten and his girlfriend regarding her decision to continue her pregnancy. Authorities stated that the couple had spent time together earlier in the evening before traveling to Chapel Hill Park, where the situation escalated into violence.

Law enforcement officials reported that Wooten ultimately shot the victim during the encounter and left her in a secluded area of the park. Despite the severity of the attack, the woman survived and was later able to alert authorities after emergency services were contacted the following morning. Responding officers discovered her in critical condition and immediately ensured she was transported to a nearby hospital for urgent treatment.

Medical teams performed emergency procedures, including a C-section, in an effort to save the unborn child. Remarkably, both the mother and infant survived the incident. The woman later regained consciousness after a period of critical care, though she reportedly had no memory of the events that occurred during the attack.

The case was investigated extensively by local law enforcement, including the DeKalb County Police Department, who reviewed evidence from the scene, examined digital communications, and interviewed individuals connected to both the victim and the defendant. Investigators determined that prior disagreements between the couple, particularly regarding the pregnancy, played a central role in the events leading up to the incident.

During the legal proceedings, Wooten initially denied involvement and attempted to establish an alternative account of his whereabouts on the night of the attack. However, authorities later confirmed that his explanation did not match verified evidence, including witness statements and communications recovered during the investigation. Prosecutors also presented messages indicating ongoing conflict between the couple.

Following the trial, Wooten was convicted on multiple charges, including attempted murder and related firearm offenses. In May 2026, he was sentenced to 60 years in prison, bringing a formal conclusion to the case in court, though its emotional impact continues to be felt by those involved.

The case has left a lasting impression on the Decatur community, with many reflecting on the severity of domestic violence and its far-reaching consequences. Community members continue to express support for the surviving mother and child as they recover and rebuild their lives after the traumatic incident.