Man convicted of 1990 double murder in DeKalb County sentenced to life
Kenneth P. Perry (Credit: Office of the DeKalb County District Attorney)
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - A man convicted of murdering a brother and sister more than three decades ago will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
Last week, a DeKalb County jury found Kenneth Perry guilty of two counts of malice murder, two counts of felony murder, rape, four counts of aggravated assault, two counts of aggravated battery, two counts of possession of a knife during the commission of a felony and theft by taking.
The backstory:
The original attack happened on July 15, 1990, at an apartment complex on Tree Hills Parkway.
When DeKalb County police arrived, Pamela Sumpter, 43, told officers she had been raped and stabbed, and that her brother, 46-year-old John Sumpter, had also been stabbed and possibly died in their apartment next door.
Pamela had gone to a neighbor's apartment after discovering all the phone lines in her apartment had been cut. She was able to give the police a description of the suspect, telling police her brother had brought a man from Detroit to their apartment. She died from her injuries nearly two weeks later.
PREVIOUS STORY: Man arrested for 1990 double murder, rape in DeKalb County
Authorities say DNA evidence and forensic genetic genealogy analysis eventually helped link Perry to the crimes. The case was finally moved forward after more than 30 years with the help of a federal grant.
Perry was indicted in January 2025 on multiple charges, including murder. During his trial, he testified on his own behalf.
Kenneth Perry testifies in murder trial (RAW)
Kenneth Perry, a man on trial for a double murder and sexual assault in Stone Mountain, took the stand on Monday. Many of the questions Perry faced in court circulated around questions about his sexuality.
The very next day, a DeKalb County jury reached a verdict, finding him guilty on counts of malice and felony murder, rape, and other charges.
What we know:
In court on Tuesday, a DeKalb County judge sentenced Perry to three life sentences to be run consecutively as well as 100 years, which will also be served consecutively.
Due to the date of the crimes, Perry could not be sentenced to life without parole. He can be considered for parole after serving 14 years.
Perry can attempt to appeal by making a motion for a new trial or asking the superior court to review his case.
The Source: Information for this story came from previous FOX 5 reporting.