03/06/2026
18 YEARS STRONG
The Story of William Maurice Woodard
For nearly two decades, William Maurice Woodard has lived behind prison walls in Georgia.
Eighteen years of missed birthdays.
Eighteen years of missed family gatherings.
Eighteen years of life that can never be returned.
William is currently serving a life without parole sentence following a case in DeKalb County, Georgia that involved the deaths of two police officers. From the beginning, William has maintained that the incident that led to his conviction occurred in self-defense.
Because the case involved law enforcement officers, it became highly publicized and emotionally charged from the start. Like many high-profile cases, strong opinions formed quickly.
However, for William’s family and supporters, one belief has remained constant: that the circumstances surrounding the case deserve a fair and thorough review.
For 18 years, William’s loved ones have continued to stand by him while searching for legal options, gathering information, and advocating for his story to be heard.
Now, after nearly two decades, a new effort has begun.
The “18 Years Strong – Fair Review Initiative” was created to raise awareness about William’s case and to seek support for legal review and advocacy.
This initiative is not about rewriting history or ignoring the seriousness of the case. It is about ensuring that every person within our justice system has the opportunity for their case to be fully and fairly examined.
On April 18, 2026, family members, supporters, and community members will gather in Lithonia, Georgia for a community awareness and fundraising event to support these efforts.
Justice must always leave room for review, reflection, and truth.
After 18 years, William’s family is still hoping that his case will receive the careful and fair consideration they believe it deserves.
You can help by sharing William’s story, supporting the campaign, and standing with those who believe that justice should always remain open to examination.
Because after 18 years, the search for fairness continues.
